The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Oliver G. Cruickshank (MCSN: 223285), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands on 22 November 1943. With all of his company Officers wounded and evacuated following a bitter engagement with the enemy, Gunnery Sergeant Cruickshank promptly assumed command and, effecting a prompt reorganization skillfully directed and led repeated determined attacks against heavily fortified hostile strong points which had been dominating the southern beachhead wiping out Japanese resistance and contributing essentially to the success of the operation. By his daring initiative, forceful and determined leadership and great personal valor maintained throughout the fierce action, Gunner Sergeant Cruickshank served as an inspiration to the entire company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.