The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Wendell T. Stevens (MCSN: 330230), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the THIRD Marine Division during the landing attack on Puruata Island, British Solomon Islands, on November 1, 1943. Serving as a member of the five-man crew of a 75 millimeter self-propelled anti-tank gun, Corporal Stevens unhesitatingly advanced into the jungle to assist in reducing an enemy position of three strongly defended pill boxes well protected by hostile snipers. Although seriously wounded by severe enemy fire which killed or injured every man in the adjacent gun crew, he steadfastly continued to keep the gun in action until the hostile stronghold was destroyed. Corporal Stevens’ great personal valor and tenacious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.