The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Thurman B. Burris (MCSN: 333662), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 14 to 15 October 1942. Along with another marine from the Communications Section of the First Pioneer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, Private First Class Burris was assigned to Company A which was under heavy bombardment by hostile field artillery. For two days, with cool courage and utter disregard for his own personal safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to vigorous shelling in order to repair wire lines continually severed by enemy fire, and thereby enable the company to maintain uninterrupted communications with its platoons and the battalion command post. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.