The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Ord Preston, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7306), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Communications Officer of the Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps during the assault against enemy Japanese forces on Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands from 18 to 23 February 1944. Landing in the assault wave on Engebi Islands with a small communications group under heavy rifle, machine gun and mortar fire, Captain Preston established an advanced command post for the Regiment and later volunteered to lead a group of communications personnel in assault against a group of Japanese who were infiltrating a position of great danger to the entire command post making possible the continuation of the attack and destruction of enemy forces on the Island. His cool courage, brilliant leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.