The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joe Giddens (MCSN: 289755), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, while a member of the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese in the Solomon Islands, 29 October 1942. Volunteering with five other Marines to accompany an officer on patrol into territory where enemy forces were known to be operating, Private First Class Giddens participated in locating and putting out of action of two Japanese field pieces while under direct observation of hostile forces. His courageous conduct throughout the entire patrol contributed to the success of the mission.