The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Earnest H. Brown (MCSN: 436139), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943. With a platoon urgently needed to fill a gap in the front lines during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Private First Class Brown fearlessly pressed forward across the length of the pier despite the enemy’s shattering mortar, machine-gun and sniper fire and expeditiously guided the unit to the designated area. During the sustained drive across the airstrip, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile machine-gun and sniper fire to dispatch vital messages to front line areas, tirelessly continuing his valiant efforts for days of bitter offensive action. Wounded while returning to the command Post, he steadfastly refused medical assistance until the vehicle on which he was embarked had delivered its cargo of ammunition and supplies to his unit, By his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Brown contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this important Japanese stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.