The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Harold E. Swain (MCSN: 0-13533), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while in command of a machine gun platoon in the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the landing at Cape Torokina, Bougainville Island, on November 1, 1943. Leading his platoon through the enemy beach defenses to a place of relative safety, First Lieutenant Swain immediately began a reconnaissance to locate his flank units. Finding that he was surrounded by a series of Japanese bunkers concealed in the brush in support of the beach defense bunkers, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire in order to study the situation and determine upon a plan for their destruction. Although severely wounded as he returned to his men and informed them of his intentions, he continued issuing orders, conducted his gun sections to positions from which they could fire upon the gun ports of the bunkers and then personally led grenade and submachine gun attacks against the bunkers, killing the defenders and destroying the coordinated support of the beach defense installations. First Lieutenant Swain’s inspiring leadership, splendid initiative and valiant devotion to duty under extremely difficult conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.