The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class George Arruda (MCSN: 354582), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 23 December 1943. Sent by the Battalion Intelligence Officer as a scout to locate the left assault company which was out of contact with the unit on its right, Private First Class Arruda was pinned down by the enemy but crawled out of the line of fire and successfully completed his mission, enabling the entrapped company to join the other forces. Then, despite opposition from Japanese snipers, he made his way to an abandoned enemy bivouac area, obtained maps and valuable documents, and returned to his base. Acting as runner, he delivered messages from the rear command post to the front lines under intense hostile fire, carrying out his extremely hazardous duties with efficiency and daring. Private First Class Arruda’s brave initiative and fearless devotion to duty were an inspiration to his comrades and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.