The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John H. Gates (MCSN: 365027), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 13 October 1942. As a member of a wire crew of the Headquarters and Service Company, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, Private First Class Gates assisted in laying a telephone trunk line to Headquarters after all others had been destroyed during heavy Japanese naval bombardment. During construction of the circuit, he and the other members of the crew were caught in the open and exposed to hostile bombing on five separate occasions. However, despite this hazardous distraction, at no time did the personnel scatter or suspend their activities. They were able to complete their mission before daylight and thus establish the only means of wire communication from Headquarters to the Base Radio and other important units. The heroic conduct displayed by Private First Class Gates on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.