The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wayne K. Talbert (MCSN: 362858), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on November 10, 1942. While serving with Company B of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, Private First Class Talbert 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 and reconnoitered the stream until he succeeded in locating a ford. His courageous conduct in the face of imminent contact with the enemy was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.