The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Howard Elvin Bennink (MCSN: 353658), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 28 December 1943. Fearlessly leading his squad, which was detailed to follow a tank making an assault on a heavily-fortified hostile pillbox, Corporal Bennink boldly climbed upon the turret of the tank and, despite intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire, pointed out the enemy position to the driver thereby enabling the unit to reach its objective and completely annihilate the Japanese stronghold. Corporal Bennink’s courageous initiative, daring aggressiveness and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were and inspiration to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.