The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Theadore J. Houle (MCSN: 296764), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Marine Parachute Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Gavutu, Solomon Islands on August 7, 1942. When his comrades were menaced and his unit’s progress retarded by intense fire from a strong hostile position, Private First Class Houle launched a lone attack across open ground, employing his rifle and grenades against the emplacement from dangerously close range. He fought with such skill and daring and his vigorous efforts were so effective that he enabled the other Marines to advance unmolested and destroy the enemy. His aggressive fighting spirit maintained with courageous disregard for his own imminent peril, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.