The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Breathitt R. McVay (MCSN: 291122), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 23 November 1943. When withering hostile fire emanating from a strongly fortified concrete emplacement retarded the advance of his platoon, Platoon Sergeant McVay, with his grenade supply exhausted, fearlessly made his way across the open fire-swept area to the side of the entrenchment and, fully exposing himself to gain an advantageous striking position, succeeded in destroying the enemy with his accurate rifle fire. With his platoon again pinned down in a later engagement, he pressed forward with a group of Marines to an exposed position on top of the strong point and directed a stream of deadly fire against the Japanese. By his daring initiative, his indomitable fighting spirit and inspiring leadership, maintained throughout the fierce hostilities, Platoon Sergeant McVay contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.