The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Roy A. Kent (MCSN: 296124), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 14 September 1942. When his platoon, after a series of fierce enemy attacks, had suffered seventy per cent casualties and was disrupted by strenuous close combat, Private First Class Kent’s left hand was rendered almost useless by a hostile bullet. Although suffering acutely, he courageously held his exposed position and continued to counter the vicious assaults of the Japanese with hand grenades until, completely exhausted, he was removed from action. Later in the day, he rejoined his company in the front lines and, despite his injured hand, persistently fought off the enemy with an automatic weapon. His bravery, skill and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.