The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lyle R. Mick (MCSN: 485950), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. With units pinned down by shattering hostile machine-gun fire in a triangle formed by the two strips of the airfield, Private Mick fearlessly risked his life to carry vitally needed ammunition and supplies from the Battalion dump on the beach to the front line positions, making five successive trips across the taxi strip despite the enemy’s concentrated fire which was inflicting heavy casualties on our men throughout the area. Always the first to volunteer for any detail no matter what the risk, Private Mick, by his dauntless perseverance, outstanding fortitude and cool courage under fire, contributed essentially to the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold. His zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.