The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Walter I. Jordan (MCSN: 0-3939), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Observer from the FOURTH Marine Division temporarily attached to the SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943. With the Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, killed and the staff either casualties or in isolated positions during the fierce hostilities on D-Day, Lieutenant Colonel Jordan immediately assumed command of the scattered Battalion and, promptly reorganizing the men for maximum efficiency, led them in relentless, determined attacks against a fanatic enemy for a grueling two-day period, returning to his station only after the remnants of the unit were attached to another command ashore. By his forceful and determined leadership, his valiant fighting spirit and dauntless courage in the face of extreme peril, Lieutenant Colonel Jordan contributed materially to the initial establishment of the beachhead sector and to the subsequent success of our forces in occupying the vital hostile stronghold. His zealous devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service.