The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert J. Lennon (MCSN: 278866), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. With his squad pinned down by shattering hostile machine-gun and rifle fire during an advance against the fanatic Japanese, Corporal Lennon voluntarily risked his life in a valiant effort to wipe out the enemy emplacement and, pressing home a lone, determined attack, completely destroyed the position with his well-placed grenade fire. By his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of extreme peril, Corporal Lennon contributed to the saving of many lives and enabled his squad to press forward in a sustained advance against this heavily fortified stronghold. His outstanding devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.