Howard F. Buff’s FIRST Silver Star citation

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

STAFF SERGEANT HOWARD F. BUFF, U. S. MARINE CORPS,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while a member of the Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Matanikao River, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, between October 7 and 11, 1942. Disregarding fierce enemy sniper fire, Staff Sergeant Buff coolly and skillfully carried out his task of establishing wire communications between the most vital points of strategic command. Leading his wire crew through jungle and difficult terrain, far off any beaten trail and in an area known to have contained Japanese snipers, he maintained an uninterrupted telephonic communication throughout the entire operation at Matanikao River during this period.”

For the President,
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.