The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Murl Bright (MCSN: 272233), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. With his platoon leader a casualty during a fierce engagement with the Japanese, Platoon Sergeant Bright promptly assumed command and, fearlessly countering the enemy’s incessant shellfire, personally located many hostile strong points throughout the bitter action and subsequently led his men in brilliantly executed attacks. Wounded in the arm during an assault against a hostile pillbox later that same day, Platoon Sergeant Bright, by his daring initiative, his outstanding fortitude and inspiring leadership maintained under perilous conditions, and contributed materially to the success of his unit in its sustained drive against a fanatic enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.