The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Francis J. Fagone (MCSN: 364722), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Marine Parachute Battalion during a raid on enemy Japanese forces on Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands, 1 and 2 November 1943. In the point of the patrol when a Japanese ambush was encountered, Private First Class Fagone unhesitatingly advanced directly into the enemy force as soon as contact was made. After destroying two snipers, he dispersed a group of six Japanese with hand grenades and automatic rifle fire, facing heavy enemy fire in order to cover the remainder of the point until the ambush was successfully routed. His aggressive fighting spirit and cool courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.