Austin M. Henderson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Austin M. Henderson (0-288050), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action on 10 January 1943, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. While serving as Battalion Operations Officer, Captain Henderson assisted the battalion commander in directing and coordinating an attack on an enemy occupied hill position. Following its capture he quickly moved forward and assisted in organizing the position to withstand a night attack. During this action, though under enemy rifle and machine gun fire, he was an example of cool, calm self-control and thus contributed toward the smooth functioning of the operation.