The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Homer J. St. John (MCSN: 392918), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Eighteenth Marines (Engineer), SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 20 December 1943. Fighting furiously in the face of tremendous odds during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Private First Class St. John fearlessly advanced alone ahead of friendly troops and, calmly and efficiently preparing demolition charges and inserting them directly into pillbox apertures despite the enemy’s incessant shellfire, succeeded in destroying many resisting hostile emplacements, thereby contributing to the forward advance of our forces and to the ultimate defeat of the Japanese in this vital war area. By his daring aggressiveness, his indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage under fire, Private First Class St. John served as an inspiration to others in the area and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.