The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Otto Coverston (MCSN: 270428), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands from 20 to 22 November 1943. Forced to discard his weapons and equipment in order to gain the shore during landing operations on D-Day, Platoon Sergeant Coverston fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy’s shattering machine gun and mortar fire upon reaching the heavily fortified beachhead and working tirelessly and with extreme courage, effected a reorganization of the remainder of his company for sustained operations against the fanatic Japanese. After locating a concealed mortar emplacement inflicting heavy casualties on our troops during the bitter action on 22 November, he skillfully directed a deadly mortar barrage against the enemy and, later that same day, conducted a destructive attack against a hostile ammunition dump. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, his daring aggressiveness and indomitable fighting spirit, maintained throughout the fierce hostilities, Platoon Sergeant Coverston contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his zealous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.