The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Pete P. Davis (MCSN: 351603), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during an engagement with enemy Japanese tank forces at the mouth of the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of October 23, 1942. Although knocked approximately thirty feet when hostile artillery made a direct hit on the emplacement behind which he was firing, Private Davis courageously refused to leave the line until ordered to take a shell-shocked comrade to the sick bay. Returning immediately to the front, he carried out many hazardous tasks throughout the remainder of the night. His indomitable fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.