The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Carl L. Steele (MCSN: 245205), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Machine Gun Squad serving with the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 2 January 1944. With his squad pinned down by heavy enemy fire from hostile positions concealed in dense jungle undergrowth, Corporal Steele courageously attempted to operate his gun and, although wounded in the effort, tried once again and succeeded in firing his weapon until he was hit and his gun put out of action. Despite his wounds and the overwhelming enemy opposition, he persisted in his heroic efforts up to the last minute, encouraging and inspiring his men in their attacks before leaving the field for medical attention. Corporal Steele’s great personal valor and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.