The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Elden H. Beers (MCSN: 325230), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines (Engineer), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Fearlessly risking his life in a valiant attempt to rescue a Marine struck down by the enemy’s withering shellfire thirty yards from shore during the landing operations on D-Day, Sergeant Beers boldly advanced across the open, fire-swept area to the side of his wounded comrade and, although wounded himself by fragments of an exploding mortar shell, dauntlessly continued his self-sacrificing efforts to reach the shore with his helpless companion. By his daring initiative, great personal valor and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Sergeant Beers served as an inspiration to others in the area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.