The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Francis J. Tachovsky (MCSN: 0-14596), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company L, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 23 November 1943. With his platoon pinned down by shattering machine gun and rifle fire emanating from a hostile concrete emplacement, First Lieutenant Tachovsky boldly made his way alone across the open fire-swept area to the top of the entrenchment where he could observe the enemy. Signaling half of a squad from his platoon to the area while he voluntarily exposed himself to draw the hostile fire, First Lieutenant Tachovsky then directed them in a brilliantly executed attack, completely -annihilating all resistance with well-placed grenade and rifle fire and ultimately leading his men to their assigned objective. By his forceful and determined leadership, his valiant fighting spirit and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Tachovsky contributed materially to the final securing of the heavy fortified island of Betio by our forces and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.