The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Agustus H. Fricke (MCSN: 0-312), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, Reinforced, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 14 – 19 January 1943. Courageous and indomitable in the face of fierce, persistent enemy resistance, Lieutenant Colonel Fricke led his men during the final powerful attack to the west of the island and, directing the advance of his lines skillfully and with aggressive determination, enabled the battalion to capture large quantities of Japanese weapons and vital supplies and to destroy more than three hundred hostile troops. Lieutenant Colonel Fricke’s inspiring leadership, expert tactical ability and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions contributed materially to the success of our forces in driving the enemy from this strategic area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.