The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Norval Thomas Banks (MCSN: 389322), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the landing operations on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 15 June 1944. Embarked in a lighter that was listing dangerously as a result of the faulty loading of a tank, Corporal Banks courageously and without hesitation volunteered to exposed himself to heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire by adding his weight to the starboard side in an effort to prevent the craft from capsizing before it reached shore, but was instantly killed when a hostile shell hit the lighter. Corporal Banks inspiring conduct and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.