The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Marvin R. Rigdon (MCSN: 335015), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of the scout sniper platoon of the Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during the invasion of Japanese-held Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, November 2o-21, 1945. Working tirelessly and without sleep for a night and two days under the most strenuous battle conditions, Corporal Rigdon with his unit destroyed a large number of hostile emplacements in the central sector of Betio Island. Fearlessly crawling under the intense hostile fire to an enemy gun port, he skillfully destroyed it with grenades and demolitions and then entered the emplacement and killed the remaining Japanese troops. Later, while his unit was attacking another hostile position, he courageously exposed himself to the enemy in order to give more effective fire support to his comrades, but was hit by Japanese riflemen and instantly killed. Corporal Rigdon’s great personal valor, cool initiative and unswerving devotion to duty were an inspiration to his comrades and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He Gallantly gave his life for his country.