The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Norman W. Milner (MCSN: 0-19226), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Artillery Forward Observer of Battery A, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 23 November 1943. Skilled and aggressive in the performance of duty while operating with advancing front line units during bitter hostilities, Second Lieutenant Milner constantly braved the enemy’s shattering machine-gun, mortar and sniper fire to conduct the devastating bombardments of an artillery battalion. When the Japanese launched a desperate bayonet counterattack within one hundred yards of friendly lines the night of 22-23 November, he promptly adjusted the fires of his unit and directed a relentless barrage against the onrushing force, resulting in the rout of the enemy from the area and contributing to the eventual capture of this vital hostile stronghold by our forces. His daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and cool courage in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Milner and the United States Naval Service.