The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard David Bellis (MCSN: 339543), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, 28 December 1943. When his unit was held up by intense hostile machine gun fire, Corporal Bellis skillfully maneuvered his squad into an advantageous position and destroyed the enemy emplacement, enabling our troops to advance. Fighting courageously and with gallant disregard for his own personal safety, he continued his assault against the Japanese until he was seriously wounded. Corporal Bellis’ valiant leadership and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.