The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Benjamin Morreale (MCSN: 259911), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 22 December 1943. Voluntarily risking his life in the face of withering hostile shellfire, Platoon Sergeant Morreale courageously left a position of safety and, with a companion, proceeded 150 yards through enemy infested territory to attempt the rescue of a seriously wounded Marine lying within Japanese lines. Although fully aware of the danger involved in such a hazardous operation, he successfully evacuated the injured man and, with great difficulty, carried him up a steep hill to a place of safety. Platoon Sergeant Morreale’s cool courage under fire, splendid initiative and great personal valor against almost insurmountable odds saved a comrade from probable capture or death and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.