The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John J. Ficket (MCSN: 375907), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a tank commander serving with the Ninth Defense Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces on New Georgia, Solomon Islands, 17 July, 1943. During an assault by his platoon upon the rear of hostile positions along the beach, Sergeant Ficket, while maneuvering his tank through an area of dense jungle undergrowth, was attacked by Japanese infantry employing flame throwers ad magnetic mines. When one of the mines exploded on the top of his own tank, blowing in the base of the turret, Sergeant Ficket was painfully injured by steel splinters driven in his back. With courageous endurance and complete disregard for his own condition, he continued in his action until ordered to withdraw for evacuation to a hospital. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.