The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class John Granville Howard, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the Second Marine Raider Battalion during the assault on Bougainville, 1 November 1943. Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Howard left his protected position and unhesitatingly crawled to the side of an injured man and administered first aid until he himself was killed by machine gun fire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.