The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Howard J. Rice (MCSN: 0-6660), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 24 November 1943. Isolated from his Battalion in the strongest hostile defensive sector on the beach following landing operations on D-Day, Major Rice immediately organized all available personnel in his vicinity into an effective force and established a successful defense in the immediate area. Then, organizing liaison between the remnants of two battalions and the Regimental Commander, he maintained communications and skillfully coordinated the activities of these units throughout two days and nights of bitter offensive action. With his unit depleted by heavy casualties and his Battalion Commander killed during a fierce engagement, he again conducted a reorganization of remaining personnel into a strong fighting force for carrying out sustained operations against the Japanese. By his forceful and determined leadership, his daring aggressiveness and cool and courageous action in the face of grave peril, Major Rice contributed essentially to the success of the campaign and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.