The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Earl G. DeLong (MCSN: 356753), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines (Engineer), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 23 November 1943. With his platoon disorganized under the enemy’s concentrated shellfire during the fierce hostilities, Sergeant DeLong immediately conducted a skillful reorganization despite the shattering barrage and, leading his men forward in brilliantly executed attacks, succeeded in neutralizing ten Japanese strong points with well-placed demolition charges. By his daring initiative, forceful and inspiring leadership and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds, Sergeant DeLong contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.