The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Herbert B. Turner (MCSN: 0-39278), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 20 May 1945. When his platoon was set upon by a group of enemy close combat tank destroyers carrying smoke pots and demolition charges while attacking beyond friendly lines, Second Lieutenant Turner fearlessly exposed himself above his turret, firing into the attackers with his pistol, killed one and halted the activity of the remainder. Although increasing hostile fire was being brought to bear against him he remained exposed and directed the fire of his platoon in order to break up another close combat assault against an adjacent friendly tank platoon. By his outstanding leadership and coolness under fire, Second Lieutenant Turner prevented the probable destruction of the tanks of two platoons and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.