The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Oliver Loper (MCSN: 293186), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Battery B, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, 21 November 1943. While awaiting arrival of the remainder of his unit, Platoon Sergeant Loper observed that reinforcements being landed were sustaining heavy casualties from enemy beach positions. Working his way forward under intense hostile fire, he reached a position from which he was able to engage an attacking machine gun crew with his carbine and maintain neutralization of the emplacement until it was overrun by our advancing tanks and infantry despite exposure to fire from mutually supporting Japanese pillboxes and snipers. His cool courage under fire, determination and great personal valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.