The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Leo J. Washvillo (MCSN: 379026), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Eighth Marines, Reinforced on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands from November 18 to 20, 1942. When his patrol temporarily withdrew to the Matanikau River, leaving three seriously wounded marines behind, Private Washvillo with two comrades voluntarily remained to protect these men. Under continual threat of the enemy, he succeeded the following day in reaching the Army’s front lines and reported the location of the injured men and their protectors. Skillfully and courageously leading a rescue party through the Japanese infested territory back to his imperiled comrades he contributed in a large measure to the evacuation of the wounded within the safety of our lines. His keen initiative and extreme personal valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.