Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    October 5, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Arthur Weiss (MCSN: 0-8948), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 5 October 1942. Although convalescing from a badly infected foot, Second Lieutenant Weiss insisted upon leading his platoon as part of the company on combat patrol to determine enemy strength on the east bank of the Matanikau River southward from the ocean. When the patrol was ambushed by approximately a battalion of the Japanese and resulting severe casualties necessitated immediate withdrawal, he fearlessly abandoned a place of comparative safety to direct his platoon and to aid the wounded. Gravely wounded during this action, Second Lieutenant Weiss, by his courage and devotion to duty in removing the patrol from a dangerous position, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.