The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Cleland E. Early (MCSN: 0-8326), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to the Second Marine Raider Battalion during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Asamana on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 11 November 1942. Courageously leading his platoon in the van of a surprise attack on a numerically superior enemy force First Lieutenant Early, in the midst of battle, suddenly realized that two wounded marines had become stranded in front of our lines. Immediately leading an attack against the Japanese, he neutralized the hostile fire in that sector and then rescued his injured men. His great personal valor, outstanding leadership, and heroic devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men and contributed in a large measure to the success of our engagement.