The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leroy M. Burgess (MCSN: 348419), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Weapons Company, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 21 November 1943. Undaunted by heavy enemy machine-gun fire, Private First Class Burgess gallantly manned an advanced sniper post and inflicted numerous casualties among the hostile forces. His courage and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.