The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Milton R. Stephenson (MCSN: 448943), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company M, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Painfully wounded in the hand during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Private First Class Stephenson steadfastly refused to leave the area, and, fighting furiously against tremendous odds, attacked and neutralized several heavily fortified Japanese emplacements, killing more than ten of the enemy as they attempted to escape from their concealed positions. By his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Stephenson contributed materially to the success of our forces in overcoming Japanese resistance in this area and his zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.