The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John J. O’Donnell (MCSN: 0-15563), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain Island, 3 January 1944. When our forces were pinned down by a vicious counterattack by Japanese machine guns and small arms after crossing a stream in the southeast sector of the beachhead, First Lieutenant O’Donnell boldly pressed forward with an antitank gun in support of advancing infantry and, braving a steady hail of intense hostile fire, moved his weapon to the opposite bank of the stream with the aid of block and tackle, immediately opening fire and effectively silencing enemy snipers in that sector. As dusk approached, he moved his gun to an elevated location in front of our lines, maintaining a defensive position throughout the night. First Lieutenant O’Donnell’s valiant fighting spirit, daring aggressiveness and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.