The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Major Otis A. Israel (MCSN: 218888), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of an Antiaircraft Group of the Seventh Defense Battalion, Third Marine Brigade, during a bombing attack by enemy Japanese aircraft on the Island of Nanumea in the Ellice Group, on 4 September 1943. When an overwhelming force of hostile planes flew over the area and launched a devastating bombing raid, Sergeant Major Israel sighted a wounded comrade lying in an exposed position directly in the line of fire and, leaving the comparative safety of his foxhole, voluntarily risked his life in a valiant attempt to effect a rescue. With the attacks continuing unabated, he boldly crossed the open area and, seizing the helpless man, carried him to a place of safety before he himself was fatally struck down by fragments from a bomb that burst nearby. By his indomitable courage, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for another in the face of almost certain death, Sergeant Major Israel saved the life of a man who otherwise might have perished, and his heroic conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.