The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Fred L. Dean (MCSN: 301585), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery C, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. When a hostile anti-boat gun was inflicting heavy casualties among friendly reinforcements landing on the shore, Corporal Dean fearlessly carried his pack howitzer forward to the limit of the heavily fortified beachhead and, promptly assembling the weapon under the enemy’s incessant fire, launched an aggressive attack against a pillbox sheltering the enemy gun, succeeding in destroying the position with his accurate fire. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dean contributed materially to the success of the mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.