Dwight Hodge Dexter

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Dwight Hodge Dexter, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Coast Guard, for conspicuous gallantry in action against an armed enemy as Commanding Officer of the naval Local Defense Force and Anti-Submarine Patrol, Guadalcanal-Gavutu. Lieutenant Commander Dexter landed with the Marines on 7 August 1942 and established and administered the Naval Local Defense Force in these occupied islands until 5 November 1942, on which date he was evacuated due to illness. During the three months while he was in command of this unit, he was subjected to almost daily aircraft bombing attacks and for many weeks to an almost nightly naval bombardment. Throughout this entire period, his courage, determination and zeal made it possible to maintain in operation a signal station and a boat operating organization which was essential to the successful unloading of many troops and many thousands of tons of supplies to the forces ashore. By his courage in the face of great hardship and danger, he set an example which was an inspiration to all who served with him.