The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Arthur E. Matthews, Jr. (MCSN: 270011), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Observer for the Mortar Platoon of Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 26 December 1943 to 2 January 1944. During eight consecutive days of vigorous hostile attacks on the positions of his battalion, Sergeant Matthews expertly directed 81-mm. mortar fire on the enemy with devastating intensity, continuously crawling forward of the lines to achieve a more accurate direction of his guns in the face of heavy enemy fire. Sergeant Matthews’ dauntless fighting spirit and unflinching courage under perilous conditions contributed materially to the success of the operation, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.