The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Wilford Jay Hess (MCSN: 346743), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands on 21 November 1943. When a number of runners attached to his company became casualties during fierce hostilities against a fanatic enemy, Corporal Hess unhesitatingly volunteered to carry essential messages from the Company Command Post to adjacent units, front line areas and to the Battalion Command Post. With radio and telephone lines inoperative between the Company and Battalion Command Posts, he repeatedly crossed the open, fire swept airfield to deliver important communications concerning front line positions and on his return trip carried ammunition and grenades urgently needed by his unit. By his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Corporal Hess contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his tenacious devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.