The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Hudson Eliot Bridge (MCSN: 0-6769), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the Fifth Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, during operations against the Japanese forces in the early stages of the landing at Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 22 February 1944. Daringly exposing himself to heavy mortar and machine gun fire to reconnoiter and locate positions from which the Japanese were delivering devastating fire against the landing area, Major Bridge located an enemy machine gun firing from a pillbox on the flank of the beach and another gun harassing friendly troops from the rear. Quickly securing and placing heavy guns in operation as they landed, he directed their fire at point-blank range and destroyed the hostile pillbox and the machine-gun position, thereby securing flank of the beach and saving the lives of men who were helplessly exposed to the shattering barrage as they hit the beach. His courage under fire, leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.