The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ernest R. McCollum, Jr. (MCSN: 364895), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. With all members of his machine gun squad either killed or wounded during a sudden, vicious counterattack by a fanatic enemy, Corporal McCollum valiantly continued to press the attack alone and, accurately delivering a steady stream of fire against the Japanese, enabled his company to reorganize and press forward in a sustained drive against the heavily fortified stronghold. By his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds, Corporal McCollum contributed materially to the success of the engagement, and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.