The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Roy L. Rinnan (MCSN: 328478), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. With a machine gun section virtually annihilated during a bitter engagement with the fanatic Japanese, Private First Class Rinnan, on his own initiative immediately effected a reorganization. Although wounded in both hands and arms, he expeditiously obtained guns and men from other units and commanded them throughout the furious battle with outstanding skill and daring, contributing materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold. By his bold initiative, fearless leadership and dauntless perseverance in the face of grave danger, Private First Class Rinnan served as an inspiration to others in the area, and his unswerving devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.