The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Walter G. Farrell (MCSN: 0-279), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Chief of Staff of a Second Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy Japanese forces at and in the vicinity of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 26 December 1942 to 24 March 1943. In addition to his grave responsibilities in this important post during a period of intensive combat, Colonel Farrell displayed exceptional heroism and initiative, personally leading a particularly hazardous mission to the Russell Islands and conducting a preliminary survey pointing toward the occupation of this strategic position by our forces. His outstanding success in this task and his courageous and inspiring leadership under repeated and severe Japanese aerial attacks prior to the fall of Guadalcanal to our forces, contributed immeasurable to the effectiveness of our operations during an extremely critical period and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.