The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John S. Stoklosa (MCSN: 308901), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity aboard the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), while that vessel was under tremendous aerial attack by enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Jolted from the seat of his anti-aircraft gun by concussion of an exploding bomb, Corporal Stoklosa, although severely wounded, immediately returned to his battle station and, without medical attention, continued his fire throughout the duration of the attacks. His heroic devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.