The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Platoon Sergeant Henry P. Szewczak (MCSN: 290526), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands. When the advance of his platoon was halted, he aggressively reconnoitered the hostile position well to the front with such skill as to effect its subsequent destruction by his platoon on 9 July 1943.