The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL to

MAJOR JOHN ALDEN SCOTT

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John A. Scott, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations Officer, attached to the Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 24 November 1943. When two parties of runners which he had dispatched with vitally important orders were killed or wounded by enemy before they could reach the battalion's reserve company, Major Scott instantly set out alone on this hazardous mission, Although under relentless and accurate Japanese rifle fire, he courageously proceeded approximately five hundred yards through enemy-infested jungle terrain to the company's position and immediately delivered his message. He then instituted and led a skillful counterattack which annihilated the hostile forces in the battalion's rear and thereby insured the security of our battle line and the safety of the lines of communication, By his initiative, courage and heroic devotion to the fulfillment of a hazardous and vital mission, Major Scott contributed to the success of our forces in this area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.."

Commander South Pacific: Serial 00369 (July 11, 1946)