Palmer F. Strausser’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS PALMER F. STRAUSSER, USMC.,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Marine Division during combat with enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, December 29, 1943Although fully aware of the danger involved in such a hazardous operation, Private First Class Strausser unhesitatingly volunteered to charge a Japanese sniper position well entrenched in the roots of a large banyan tree. While courageously making the advance toward the enemy emplacement, he was fatally wounded. Private First Class Strausser’s daring initiative and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy

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Born: 27 September 1924 in Hegins, Pa…. Home of record: Williamstown, Pa…. Played football in high school before enlisting at 17… Japanese sniper team had harrassed Marines for two days from their nearly impregnable position, killing five Americans before Strausser’s charge… The fallen Marine was avenged when Strausser’s friend, Pfc. Charles W. Hemenway, wiped out the nest with four bazooka shots… Assigned ot E Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division… Interred: Manilla American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines