The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Edward Marshall (MCSN: 276118), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as crew chief of an amphibian tractor attached to the Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on November 20, 1943. Subjected to a constant barrage of enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, Corporal Marshall courageously continued to disembark infantry troops on the Japanese beachhead despite severe wounds received during the initial landing. Retracting to the edge of a coral reef to repeat the operations and detecting a seriously wounded officer struggling in the heavy surf, he stopped his tractor, plunged into the water and successfully transferred him to a nearby boat out of range of enemy fire. Returning to his tractor, Corporal Marshall valiantly continued the hazardous operations of transporting troops until killed by enemy fire. His relentless fighting spirit, resourcefulness and expeditious handling of a difficult task in the face of grave peril contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces in that area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.