The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Howard F. Buff (MCSN: 280665), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Matanikao River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, between October 7 and 11, 1942. Disregarding fierce enemy sniper fire, Staff Sergeant Buff coolly and skillfully carried out his task of establishing wire communications between the most vital points of strategic command. Leading his wire crew through jungle and difficult terrain, far off any beaten trail and in an area known to have contained Japanese snipers, he maintained an uninterrupted telephonic communication throughout the entire operation at Matanikao River during this period.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Staff SergeantRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
October 13, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Howard F. Buff (MCSN: 280665), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on October 13, 1942. As a member of a wire crew of the Headquarters and Service Company, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, Staff Sergeant Buff assisted in laying a telephone trunk line to Headquarters after all others had been destroyed during heavy Japanese naval bombardment. During construction of the circuit, he and the other members of the crew were caught in the open and exposed to hostile bombing on five separate occasions. However, despite the hazardous distraction, at no time did the personnel scatter or suspend their activities. They were able to complete their mission before daylight and thus establish the only means of wire communication from Headquarters to the Base Radio and other important units. The heroic conduct displayed by Staff Sergeant Buff on this occasion reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service.