The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Hugh H. Bownes (MCSN: 0-11390), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of a reconnaissance patrol landed by submarine on enemy-held Shortland Island, Solomon Islands, 23 August 1943. Voluntarily and with utter disregard of personal safety, First Lieutenant Bownes embarked upon an extremely dangerous mission into Japanese-occupied territory for the purpose of securing vital information with regard to terrain, hydrographic conditions, and strength and disposition of hostile forces. Undeterred by the isolation of his position and by the full knowledge that no assistance could be expected from outside forces, he nevertheless remained on the island for three days, successfully carrying out an important assignment under hazardous conditions where discovery by Japanese troops would undoubtedly have resulted in his capture or death. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.