The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Norman B. Lovelace (MCSN: 353917), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943. Fearlessly proceeding with his assault Battalion in a relentless drive against the enemy during fierce hostilities on D-day, Corporal Lovelace bravely faced the enemy’s concentrated shellfire to attack and destroy two heavily fortified strong points. Fighting valiantly despite the tremendous odds, he continued to perform his duties skillfully and with unremitting courage until wounded in the right shoulder by a bursting Japanese shell and forced to evacuate the area. By his dauntless perseverance, outstanding fortitude and a steadfast devotion to the completion of each perilous mission, Corporal Lovelace 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.