The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Howard L. Fleshman (MCSN: 350553), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 5 October 1942. Although tow of his comrades had already been killed while attempting to hold a particularly dangerous position, Private Fleshman, despite intense enemy fire, volunteered to take over, and with dauntless courage skillfully covered the successful withdrawal of his squad, killing or wounding twelve to fifteen Japanese. His indomitable fighting spirit and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.