Joseph J. Catale’s Silver Star citation

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

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOSEPH J. CATALE, USMC.

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on October 15, 1942.

When heavy artillery fire destroyed telephone lines between Company A of the First Pioneer Battalion, First Marine Division, and Battalion Headquarters, Private First Class Catale, along with another marine, started from the safe zone at Battalion Headquarters and carried two new wire lines through heavy shell-fire until he reached the command post and restored communication. His heroic conduct, maintained at great personal risk in the face of grave danger, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.