The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Arthur J. Picard (MCSN: 319924), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as member of a sniper unit serving with the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on October 26, 1942. Volunteering to put two hostile machine gun positions out of action, Private Picard advanced slowly and carefully through territory covered by intense enemy fire and skillfully silenced one of the machine guns with hand grenades. Attempting to put the second gun out of action by the same method he was killed by the enemy. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were an inspiration to all with whom he served and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.