The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jack G. Morton (ASN: 39330393), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 23d Infantry Divison (Americal) at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 October 1944. Leading his squad in an assault against fiercely defended enemy pillboxes, Sergeant Morton, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, and while under heavy enemy fire, advanced to within ten feet of the enemy installations. When the enemy left their dugout and charged our troops with bayonets, Sergeant Morton, firing from the hip and throwing hand grenades, killed three of the enemy. Then, rushing the pillbox, followed by his men, Sergeant Morton threw grenades into the dugout and killed the remainder of the enemy. Inspired by Sergeant Morton’s outstanding aggressive actions, the squad was able to annihilate the enemy positions while our troops suffered but one casualty.