The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Philip J. Doyle (MCSN: 0-16119), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. With a Japanese pillbox enfilading the beach area, First Lieutenant Doyle fearlessly risked his life to wipe out the emplacement and, valiantly proceeding forward, single-handedly charged and destroyed the strong point. Seriously wounded during the fierce action, he refused to abandon the area and returned to lead his men in the initial advance across the heavily fortified, fire-swept airstrip on Betio Island. By his daring initiative, forceful and inspiring leadership and dauntless courage in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Doyle contributed essentially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.