The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Marvin E. Fawks, Jr. (ASN: 0-353201), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 66th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division, in action in France on 24 August 1944. On the night of 24 August 1944, in the vicinity of Elboeuf, France, Captain Fawks’ company was given the mission of setting up road blocks. After his tank had reached the desired position, Captain Fawks dismounted and at this time heard the sound of engines to his front. Being unable to tell whether they were enemy or friendly vehicles he went forward until he decided that the sound came from enemy vehicles. At this time Nebelwerfer and artillery fire was very heavy. He hastily went back to his tank and was just pointing out the direction, when an enemy tank appeared. The gunner fired, causing the enemy tank to stall. At this moment the second tank appeared. Because of poor visibility, Captain Fawks remained outside the tank directing the fire. The second tank was hit at close range and forced to stop. During this entire time artillery fire was extremely heavy. Captain Fawks’ aggressiveness and initiative throughout the entire action was in highest accord with military tradition.