The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Claude L. Grout (MCSN: 0-11199), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines, Reinforced, during action against Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, December 19, 1942. While in charge of a point on a company patrol south along the Matanikau River, Second Lieutenant Grout, with courageous skill and utter disregard for his own personal safety, led his men to a position within fifteen feet of a hostile force of about eighty. Taking the enemy by complete surprise, he and his point moved in stealthily, knocked out four machine guns, killed thirty-seven Japanese, and withdrew without a single casualty. His inspiring leadership and persistent devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.