The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph J. Catale (MCSN: 330021), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on October 15, 1942. When heavy artillery fire destroyed telephone lines between Company A of the First Pioneer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, and Battalion Headquarters, Private First Class Catale, along with another Marine, started from the safe zone at Battalion Headquarters and carried two new wire lines through heavy shellfire until he reached the command post and restored communication. His heroic conduct, maintained at great personal risk in the face of grave danger, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.