The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold J. Matson (MCSN: 506117), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery C, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. Boldly carrying his pack howitzer forward to the limit of the heavily fortified beachhead, Private First Class Matson promptly assembled the weapon under the enemy’s incessant shellfire and, launching an aggressive attack against a pillbox sheltering a hostile anti-boat gun which was inflicting heavy casualties among reinforcements landing on the shore, succeeded in destroying the position with his accurate fire. By his dauntless perseverance, his outstanding fortitude and cool courage in the face of extreme danger, Private First Class Matson contributed materially to the success of the mission and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.