The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John Gruwell Stanley (MCSN: 336017), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943. Sighting several wounded men lying helpless in the shallow waters many yards from the beach, Sergeant Stanley unhesitatingly waded out across the dangerous coral reef and, repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy machine-gun fire, succeeded in bringing the wounded ashore to receive medical treatment. By his courageous initiative, Sergeant Stanley saved the lives of men who otherwise might have perished, and his devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.