The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Arnold N. Stensland (MCSN: 263244), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 21 November 1943. With several enemy machine guns still in operation to the left of his beachhead defense line and firing relentlessly on or troops as they waded ashore, Platoon Sergeant Stensland immediately seized a .50 caliber machine gun from an abandoned amphibian tractor, secured it to the antiaircraft mount on the turret of a stalled medium tank and opened fire on the emplacements, neutralizing the shattering fire and enabling the Marines to gain the beachhead. With his ammunition expended, he again risked his life to man the tank’s 75-mm. turret gun and, directing a steady, accurate stream of shellfire against the enemy, contributed to the success of further landing operations. Aggressive and determined throughout subsequent engagements with the fanatic Japanese, he continued his same bold tactics, destroying the enemy on numerous occasions and securing and holding the ground gained by his unit in each bitter action. His daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Stensland and the United States Naval Service.