The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Armistead E. Ross (MCSN: 0-18212), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as leader of a rifle platoon attached to the First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during the attack against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943. Ordered to reinforce a flank of the line, First Lieutenant Ross daringly led his men through rifle and machine-gun fire until the advance in his sector was held up by intense opposition from a Japanese blockhouse which resulted in numerous casualties to our forces. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he gathered up demolitions and single-handedly attacked the enemy position, sustaining fatal wounds during the action. First Lieutenant Ross’s great personal valor and spirit of self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.