The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Frank L. Wilder (MCSN: 372138), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division as a radio operator in the Regimental Radio Net during the landing operations at Cape Torokina, Bougainville Island on 1 November 1943. When the boat carrying his highly important radio truck was forced to land on the wrong beach, Corporal Wilder with the aid of a comrade immediately commandeered another boat and in the face of intense enemy fire which had sunk numerous landing craft, transported the truck to the proper point and set up his station despite the hazards imposed by the raging battle. Subsequently, after being ordered to remove the truck to a safer area and finding that the jungle interfered with the radio he brought the vehicle back into position and although exposed to persistent hostile machine gun fire, remained at his post throughout the day and night performing his essential duties courageously and with expert technical skill. Later when the troops advanced, he established his station near the front lines and maintained a continuous watch for sixty hours without relief. Corporal Wilder’s splendid initiative and valiant devotion to duty throughout this period of vital offensive operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.