The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Henry James Abbott (MCSN: 296247), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Observer of Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 14 January 1944. Constantly exposed to an intense hostile barrage after charging through enemy infested jungle, Sergeant Abbott maintained a perilous position forward of our lines to direct the destruction of a heavy Japanese machinegun nest. By his daring initiative and bold fighting spirit in the face of great peril, he contributed essentially to the withdrawal of the enemy and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.