James W. Arnold’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

CORPORAL JAMES W. ARNOLD,
U.S. MARINE CORPS,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against 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, Corporal Arnold 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 this 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 Corporal Arnold on this occasion reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service. “

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.