The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant John Dale Grieve (ASN: 0-2212053/6858354), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 January 1943, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. After a rifle company had attained its objective, it became necessary for the company commander to send a messenger back to the battalion command post with all information obtained during the attack. First Sergeant Grieve was selected for this important mission. Although at the point of exhaustion he traversed the sniper-infested terrain and delivered the information. When another company was ordered to advance, Sergeant Grieve volunteered to serve as scout and lead the column. At one instance during the advance Sergeant Grieve was suddenly fired on by an enemy automatic-rifleman. He took cover and returned the fire with his sub-machine gun until the weapon jammed. He then borrowed a rifle from a companion and eliminated the enemy, enabling the advance to continue. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.




