The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Francis G. Scott (MCSN: 299979), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Battery B, First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. Discovering an unexploded naval shell in the position assigned his howitzer section and realizing the danger to his entire battery, Sergeant Scott immediately seized the projectile and boldly carried it through the enemy’s shattering machine-gun and rifle fire to an unoccupied area two hundred yards distant. His fearless initiative, prompt action and valiant disregard of his own peril served as an inspiration to all men in his vicinity and reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Scott and the United States Naval Service.