The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Keigler E. Flake (MCSN: 0-15849), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 3-4 January 1944. While in command of a self-propelled 75-mm. gun section, in support of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Lieutenant Flake fearlessly advanced with his weapon through deep jungle terrain to within 30 yards of a strongly defended hostile position and, skillfully firing at point-blank range, assisted in the destruction of the heavily fortified emplacement despite a constant, intense barrage of enemy machine-gun, rifle and mortar fire. First Lieutenant Flake’s brilliant initiative, valiant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril contributed to the success of our forces in that area, and his heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.