The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Oliver Mitchell (MCSN: 0-9963), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a pilot in Marine Scout Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-TWO (VMSB-232), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 28 August 1942. Participating with a striking group in an air raid against hostile naval forces off Ramos Island, Second Lieutenant Mitchell, pressing home his attack in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire, contributed to the destruction of three out of four Japanese destroyers. His aggressive fighting spirit and heroic devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.