The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Jack G. Ashworth, Jr. (MCSN: 820178), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943. Fighting furiously during bitter hostilities on D-Day, Private Ashworth fearlessly risked his life in an effort to wipe out a heavily-fortified Japanese strong point retarding the advance of our forces and, boldly proceeding through the enemy’s shattering machine gun and rifle fire, pressed home a lone, determined attack, silencing the emplacement with well-placed demolition charges and contributing to the success of the engagement. By his daring aggressiveness, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage in the face of grave peril, Private Ashworth served as an inspiration to others in the area and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.