The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Jack Furtell (MCSN: 974995), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Flame Thrower Operator of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 21 June 1948. Skillfully manning his weapon, Private Furtell reduced, unaided, a hostile cave position which was holding up the advance of his company. Continuing the attack under heavy hostile rifle fire, he destroyed four additional enemy caves and, on two occasions, assisted in evacuating his wounded comrades His outstanding courage and devotion to duty under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.