The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Carl S. Dekle (MCSN: 296090), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Section Chief of a 75-mm. Gun Half-track of Weapons Company, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 6 January 1944. During a coordinated attack against a strong enemy road block, Sergeant Dekle conducted his half-track across a sandpit in the face of intense hostile fire and, keeping his vehicle abreast of the assault troops, directed his crew in delivering accurate fire at point-blank range. Repeatedly braving sniper, antitank and heavy machine-gun fire throughout the engagement, he inspired his unit to exert maximum effort in assisting to capture and destroy the enemy position. By his personal courage, bold leadership and staunch devotion to duty, Sergeant Dekle upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.