Navy Federal Credit Union

Glen and Olin Darnell, brothers from Kirksville, Missouri, whose Service Numbers are consecutive indicating they joined together, each received the Silver Star for their actions on the same dates, under identical citations, while serving together in the same unit during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Amphibian Tractor Battalion

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    November 20 – December 3, 1943

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0647

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Glen E. Darnel (MCSN: 336037), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 29 November to 3 December 1943. As a crew member of an amphibian tractor landing on the heavily fortified beachhead with the initial assault wave on D-Day, Corporal Darnel fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy’s incessant barrages to make repeated trips to and from the beach to deliver necessary replacements, ammunition and supplies. With his vehicle partially disabled by hostile shellfire during the afternoon of the first day of action, he skillfully and efficiently effected repairs in the field, then valiantly continued transporting his vital cargo to front lines areas throughout the remainder of the fierce hostilities. By his daring initiative, dauntless courage and steadfast devotion to duty throughout, Corporal Darnel contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.