The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Harold Anthony Bonville (MCSN: 814125), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Sergeant while serving with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Island, Ryukyu Group, 4 May 1945. When his platoon leader was killed in an attack on a heavily defended enemy position, Sergeant Bonville assumed command and, ordering his men to maintain a base of fire, advanced to deliver a single-handed assault on the hostile automatic weapon position. Although seriously wounded, he refused to be halted until his mission was completed and the Japanese gun silenced. His prompt assumption of leadership, skillful maneuvering of the platoon and absolute disregard for his own safety served as an inspiration to all his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.