The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Talmadge E. Meadows (MCSN: 499409), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader in a Marine Rifle Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 2 May 1945. Working his way through an open field swept by intense enemy fire, Corporal Meadows destroyed a hostile mortar position, killing two of the enemy. Continuing to lead his squad forward, despite a painful wound, he destroyed a hostile machine gun, annihilated the crew and succeeded in reaching his objective before submitting to medical attention and evacuation. His courageous fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.