The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant (MC) Arthur T. Willetts, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as Battalion Surgeon with the THIRD Marine Division during the landing at Cape Torokina on 1 November 1943. Lieutenant Willetts noticed that enemy fire was endangering the lives of our wounded men who had fallen on the beachhead. He requested a nearby assault unit to attack an adjacent enemy-infested jungle area and, after the site was cleared of Japanese, established an aid center under cover of the jungle growth. Although his medical post was attacked by enemy machine guns six times during the day, he calmly treated many serious wounds. 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.