The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Osborne K. LeBlanc (MCSN: 0-7882), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company L, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Landing on the heavily fortified beachhead on D-Day under concentrated enemy mortar, machine-gun and anti-boat fire, Captain Le Blanc promptly reorganized the remaining elements of two companies and directed a brilliantly executed attack to the south and east of the airstrip to form a battalion line covering the right flank of an adjacent Battalion. Seriously wounded by hostile mortar fire during a bitter engagement on 22 November, he refused to seek medical aid until the balance of the eastern portion of the airfield had been secured then, temporarily leaving his command to have his wounds dressed, subsequently returned to form a secondary defense line for countering another reported Japanese onslaught. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, dauntless perseverance and cool and courageous action under fire, Captain Le Blanc contributed immeasurably to the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.