The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Robert C. McDonough (MCSN: 0-6213), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the First Marine Parachute Battalion in action against Japanese forces near Koi-ari, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 29 ember 1943. Exposing himself almost constantly to a steady stream of hostile machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire during fourteen hours of fierce fighting with a numerically superior enemy, Major McDonough courageously performed his vital duties throughout an extremely hazardous period, inspiring the men under his command and contributing materially to the successful conclusion of the action. His splendid initiative and valiant devotion to duty, maintained at great personal risk, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.