The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Eugene M. Gospodarek (MCSN: 810133), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a Wire Team of Company D, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. When our assaulting units gained the center of the airstrip during the early morning following a furious battle with the fanatic Japanese on D-Day, Private First Class Gospodarek fearlessly accompanied his wire team across the fire-swept area and assisted in the expeditious maintenance of the companies only wire communication from the forward assault companies to the Battalion Command Post and the 81-mm , mortal platoon, tirelessly carrying on despite the tremendous odds during our sustained drive across the landing field to the south coastline of the island. By his daring aggressiveness, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Gospodarek contributed materially to the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.