The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Thaddeus W. Stribling (MCSN: 222188), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Tulagi, Solomon Islands, on 8 August 1942. When advancing marines were menaced by intense gunfire from hidden positions, Gunnery Sergeant Stribling, with utter disregard for his imminent danger, exposed himself to the withering blasts of hostile weapons in order to launch a daring attack on a cave which concealed a number of the enemy. By his courageous and skillful employment of demolitions he succeeded in killing all the Japanese inside the cave, thereby eliminating a hazardous obstacle to the advance of our force. His valiant and aggressive fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.