The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Harry W. Edwards (MCSN: 0-8699), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 23 November 1943. Courageously leading his company as the Assault Unit of the Battalion, Captain Edwards constantly remained in the front lines under intense, persistent enemy machine-gun and fire, directing the combat operations of his men aggressively and with expert tactical skill and contributing materially to the expeditious defeat of the enemy and the capture of Betio Island. Captain Edwards’ inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.