The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Melvin R. McBride (MCSN: 293188), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Acting Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. With his Platoon Leader a casualty during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Sergeant McBride immediately assumed command and, valiantly leading his men in determined attacks against his battalion’s first objective, succeeded in destroying three heavily fortified enemy emplacements and in killing many of the Japanese. By his forceful and determined leadership, daring initiative and indomitable fighting spirit maintained throughout the operation, Sergeant McBride contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.