The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Jack S. Armstrong (MCSN: 294041), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery C, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. Courageous and determined, Sergeant Armstrong boldly led his artillery section forward to the limit of the heavily-fortified beachhead and skillfully directed the assembly of his pack howitzer despite the enemy’s incessant barrages. When a hostile pillbox sheltering an anti-boat gun inflicted heavy casualties on our reinforcements as they landed on the beach, he immediately launched an aggressive attack and succeeded in destroying the Japanese emplacement with well-placed shellfire. Although wounded by a hostile bullet which penetrated his helmet, he dauntlessly remained in his exposed position, continuing to direct the activities of his unit until the perilous mission had been completed. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, his valiant fighting spirit and unwavering courage in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Armstrong contributed materially to the eventual capture of this heavily-fortified stronghold by our forces and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.