The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Harold F. Jennings (MCSN: 0-8771), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on December 28, 1943. Repeatedly subjected to enemy mortar and small arms fire while operating immediately behind our firing lines, Captain Jennings expertly directed the advance of his units on the Japanese-held Cape Gloucester Airdrome, engaging the enemy in a three and one-half hour battle and successfully repulsing two frontal attacks and a flank assault. When the remainder of the hostile forces was observed moving to the south, he reorganized his company, placing heavy artillery concentrations on the retreating Japanese, and later occupied a perimeter defense in this captured area. Captain Jennings’ courageous leadership and sound tactical skill throughout this difficult and hazardous mission contributed materially to the success of the attack with minimum casualties and delay and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.