The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Harold L. Odom (MCSN: 0-8458), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Landing on the beach under intense enemy mortar, anti-boat and machine-gun fire, Captain Odom promptly reorganized the remaining elements of his company and established a portion of the east sector. Courageously and with expert technical skill, he personally directed the demolition of several Japanese emplacements, including a cement blockhouse which was holding up the advance of the entire Battalion line and, although temporarily blinded when one of the positions exploded, continued his heroic command until the enemy force was driven to the eastern end of the airstrip. Captain Odom’s inspiring leadership and dauntless fighting spirit in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.