The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Earl Cheal (MCSN: 278405), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Six-Man Reconnaissance Patrol, Company D, Third Tank Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 20 to 24 December 1943. Boldly leading his patrol into hostile territory, Sergeant Cheal remained throughout the night in the Japanese bivouac area to obtain valuable information on enemy activity. Although the patrol suffered casualties when detected and fired upon the following day, he daringly continued his mission, tirelessly ministering to a wounded companion, giving him all of his own food and water and carrying him bodily through enemy-infested jungles to friendly lines. By his outstanding initiative and courageous fortitude, Sergeant Cheal made possible the completion of a vital, hazardous mission and his valiant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.