The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Private First Class Homer B. Ashley (MCSN: 298738), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, on 13 January 1943, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Private First Class Ashley, calling for two volunteers, pushed forward of the front lines to engage enemy attempting to place knee mortars in action. With two companions, he disposed of two mortar enemy and one sniper. He returned five different times to his own lines to obtain additional ammunition. Eventually twelve enemy were killed and several others wounded, and a rifle and sub-machine gun re-captured. During the action Private First Class Ashley sustained a wound in his left hand.