The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John Krenzel (MCSN: 307222), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of the Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, Reinforced, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 2 – 4 January 1943. After enemy mortar and machine-gun fire had caused numerous casualties in his battalion’s defensive position, Corporal Krenzel courageously volunteered to lead a small patrol into dangerous hostile territory and, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, captured and destroyed enemy arms and ammunition. Diligently working together for two days in a treacherous wooded ravine, Corporal Krenzel’s patrol, under his daring leadership, so successfully reduced the enemy’s effective fire that a repeat attack on the same enemy positions was possible without the loss of a single man. Corporal Krenzel’s keen judgment and personal valor in the performance of an important task were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.