The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Raymond P. Golding (MCSN: 330761), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Battery H, Third Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during combat against enemy Japanese surface forces in the Solomon Islands area during the early morning of 16 October 1942. While enemy ships delivered heavy gunfire upon his position, Private First Class Golding, hearing an explosion, then falling trees and cries for help, unhesitatingly left cover and rushed in the direction of the calls for assistance. Finding four men buried in a hole covered with trees and debris, he with utter disregard for his own personal safety, worked alone to extricate the victims until the gunfire ceased and additional help arrived. By his quick and brave initiative, Private First Class Golding saved the lives of three of the imprisoned men, who otherwise might have been killed. His conspicuous courage in the face of grave danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.