The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Cornelius V. O’Neil, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a member of the Marine Detachment aboard the U.S.S. NEVADA (BB 36) during combat operations against the Japanese at Okinawa Shima from 25 March 1945 to 14 April 1945. Upon the arrival of the NEVADA in the combat area, it commenced executing its fire missions. The ship came under heavy bombardment from Japanese coastal defense guns and attacks by kamikaze suicide planes. During these attacks, Private First Class O’Neil, although wounded, remained at his battle station and at the same time, aided the wounded, helped in extinguishing fires, cleared wreckage from the deck while magazines of 20-mm. ammunition were exploding around him, and helped place the damaged battery back in operation. As a result of these attacks, 13 personnel were killed and 65 were wounded. By his daring actions, ceaseless efforts, and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class O’Neil reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.