The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL

Captain Anthony A. Akstin

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

​"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Anthony A. Akstin, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Marianas Islands, 23 July 1944. Skillfully and swiftly launching a surprise attack on a commanding ridge, Captain Akstin seized the objective with a minimum loss to his rifle company and, despite heavy hostile machine gun fire, organized defenses against an impending counterattack. When an enemy machine gun emplacement opened fire on his company, causing six casualties and threatening his position, he courageously led an attack which accounted for thirteen Japanese and silenced the enemy guns. Receiving a serious wound in the head, he refused to be evacuated until the ridge was secured and the defenses firmly established. His leadership, perseverance and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."