The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John Severns Best (MCSN: 332283), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Scout serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces near Mount Schleuther, New Britain, on 7 March 1944. Encountering a patrol of eight Japanese while conducting a reconnaissance mission with a companion, Private First Class Best immediately charged the enemy and, after killing six, later sought and killed the remaining two. Boldly advancing into hostile territory, he successfully located Japanese positions and, returning to his own lines with the vital information, enabled our forces to deliver an accurate, concentrated mortar fire attack which forced the enemy to withdraw. Private First Class Best’s daring aggressiveness, outstanding fortitude and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril contributed materially to the success of our forces in that area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.