The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Cifton E. Fomby (MCSN: 299744), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 22, 1943. When his company lost contact with supporting assault tanks, Sergeant Fomby courageously charged forward across an airstrip exposed to heavy enemy shellfire across an airstrip exposed to heavy enemy shellfire in order to regain contact. Discovering a strong hostile concrete emplacement threatening the advance of our forces, he successfully brought the support of the tanks against the enemy position assuring its complete destruction. By his heroic self-sacrifice in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Fomby contributed immeasurably to the saving of many lives before he was killed by enemy shellfire during his perilous advance. His gallant conduct and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.