The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL (posthumously) to 

Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class JOSEPH ROLAND CARDIN

United States Navy

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Joseph Roland Cardin, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Marine Battalion [3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines] of the 3rd Marine Division, during the attack against Piva Forks, Bougainville, on 24 November 1943. Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Cardin proceeded beyond his own lines when severe enemy fire killed or wounded many Marines. Endeavoring to assist two wounded men lying the fire lane of an enemy machine gun, he was struck down when attempting to evacuate them. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.