The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Arnold B. McDonald (MCSN: 312087), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tassafaronga-Matanikau River Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on January 13, 1943. Utterly disregarding his own personal safety, Private First Class McDonald with a companion, bravely volunteered to go ahead of his lines to clear out enemy mortar and machine-gun emplacements that were causing heavy casualties in our troops. Although dangerously exposed to intense enemy gunfire, he fought his way over bullet-swept grounds and through dense jungle undergrowth. He also succeeded in grenading two Japanese knee-mortar dug-outs, returning five times to his own lines for more ammunition to accomplish this important feat. Private First Class McDonald’s unwavering courage contributed immeasurably to the killing of twelve Japanese soldiers, and his aggressive leadership, in the completion of a difficult voluntary mission, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.