The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class John Alvin Arnold, United States Navy, for gallantry in action. On 18 and 19 August 1942, Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, was on a joint expedition to drive the Japanese forces from Matanikao Village, Guadalcanal Island. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Arnold was assigned as Corpsman, attached to Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division for the expedition. During the entire fire fight in the approach to and in the village of Matanikao, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Arnold was an outstanding example of courage in the face of enemy fire. He dressed wounds in the open ground east of the village under heavy machine gun and rifle fire. His actions were far above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.