The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard H. McCandless (MCSN: 480549), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces while serving with the FIRST Marine Division on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on January 3, 1944. While crossing a river with an antitank gun in the face of intense enemy fire, Private First Class McCandless saw the man ahead killed as the gun bogged down. Noticing the exposed position of the gun crew, he heroically rushed forward under deadly, accurate sniper fire and skillfully secured a block and tackle to a tree, thereby enabling the crew to move the gun forward to a place where it could be effectively employed in supporting the attack. Private First Class McCandless’ splendid initiative and valiant conduct at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.