The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Billy M. Harp (MCSN: 418482), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands on 21 November 1943. Boldly carrying his pack howitzer forward to the limit of the heavily fortified beachhead, Private First Class Harp promptly assembled the weapon under the enemy’s incessant shell fire and, launching an aggressive attack against a pill box sheltering a hostile anti-boat gun which was inflicting heavy casualties among re-enforcements landing on the shore, succeeded in destroying the position with his accurate fire. By his dauntless perseverance, his outstanding fortitude and cool courage in the face of extreme danger, Private First Class Harp contributed materially to the success of the mission and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.