The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John E. Capito (MCSN: 323970), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operator of a Bulldozer while serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action at Camp Gloucester, New Britain, on January 3, 1944. The first to arrive at a stream crossing which had stopped a platoon of tanks supporting the advance of our troops, Corporal Capito braved heavy Japanese machine-gun fire from pillboxes less than fifty yards away as he maneuvered the bulldozer down the bank of the stream. Wounded during this operation, he was assisted to a nearby defilade for first-aid treatment and, promptly returning, rendered further service by aiding the relief bulldozer operators and remaining in action until the advance of our tanks and troops was assured. Corporal Capito’s courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.