The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Bert R. Marshall (MCSN: 321164), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. Unhesitatingly volunteering for an extremely dangerous mission, Private First Class Marshall repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy’s concentrated barrages to cross the bomber strip and obtain ammunition, water and rations for his platoon. Assuming command of a machine-gun squad and riflemen on the beach shortly thereafter, he fearlessly led them through concentrated hostile fire to reinforce his unit which was under vicious attack in a front line area. Although wounded by shrapnel in his left arm during the perilous advance, Private First Class Marshall refused to leave the area and, fighting furiously despite the tremendous odds, remained in action until his platoon was relieved. His daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and great personal valor maintained throughout the fierce hostilities contributed materially to the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold and reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Marshall and the United States Naval Service.