The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jack H. Ellenberger, Jr. (MCSN: 332935), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 3 November 1942. While serving with Company B of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, Private First Class Ellenberger learned that his company commander had received orders to locate a possible crossing where the Malimbiu River could be forded. Well aware of the fact that hostile snipers were operating in the vicinity of the opposite bank, he voluntarily and on his own initiative, swam out to ascertain that a crossing at that point was not practicable. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.