The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas C. Jolly, III (MCSN: 0-6693), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an artillery forward observer of an assault battalion attached to the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands, on November 21, 1943. Preparing for an artillery barrage to support a contemplated attack by our infantry, Captain Jolly, as a member of an observation party, entered the Japanese lines and made a thorough reconnaissance of enemy troop dispositions and emplacements. Returning with the necessary information and firing data for laying an effective barrage, he occupied an observation post in a hillside clearing and, although exposed to intense enemy artillery fire which killed or wounded five of the seven men in his party, skillfully directed the fire registration of three battalions and conducted a barrage which completely destroyed the hostile emplacements. By his courage, initiative and gallant fighting spirit, Captain Jolly contributed materially to the success of the attack and his inspiring conduct throughout the operations was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.