The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Richard E. Johnson (MCSN: 291247), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 23 November 1943. With one squad in the center of his company pinned down by the enemy’s shattering barrages, thereby preventing the men from establishing a firing position, Private First Class Johnson fearlessly risked his life in an attempt to divert the hostile fire until tank support arrived. Voluntarily leaving his position of comparative safety, he courageously charged toward the Japanese lines and, drawing the hostile fire to himself, enabled other members of his unit to dig in for further sustained operations against a fanatic enemy. By his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and determined aggressiveness in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Johnson contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.