The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Vahan Eranosian (MCSN: 277925), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Wire Team Chief of company D, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. When our assaulting units gained the center of the airstrip during the early morning following furious battle with a fanatic enemy on D-Day, Corporal Eranosian boldly led his wire team across the fire-swept area and expeditiously established and maintained the only wire communication from the Forward Assault Companies to the Battalion Command Post and the 81-mm. Mortar Platoon, tirelessly carrying on despite tremendous odds during our sustained drive across the landing field to the south coastline of the landing field to the south coastline of the island. By his daring initiative, his dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Corporal Eranosian enabled the forward elements to direct accurate, determined fire of the mortar platoon against the Japanese and contributed materially to the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout the fierce hostilities was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.