The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John P. Perella (MCSN: 460538), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 7 November 1943. When his platoon was isolated near the ocean from the rest of the company after penetrating hostile territory, Private First Class Perella volunteered to swim around the enemy lines to bring assistance to his platoon. Under heavy hostile fire he swam for a thousand yards through rough seas around the flank of the Japanese position and guided landing craft to the beach to evacuate his comrades. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Perella and the United States Naval Service.