The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Wayne F. Sanford (MCSN: 0-11084), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Second Battalion, Second Marines, Reinforced, in action against an enemy Japanese force during the invasion of Mbangai, Solomon Islands, 9 August 1942. After his platoon had effected a precarious landing in the face of intense hostile fire, Second Lieutenant Sanford, undeterred by his extreme danger, led two of his squads on a daring charge up the steep and perilous slope to attack the hidden enemy. He maintained his courageous leadership during the hazardous ascent and was the first marine to gain the hill’s crest, where he initiated such an aggressive attack and fought so skillfully against the desperate foe that the Japanese snipers were dislodged and destroyed, thereby enabling the remainder of his company to disembark unmolested. His valiant conduct served as an inspiration to his men and was in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.