The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Samuel Cordell Turner (MCSN: 0-11089), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands from 20 to 24 November 1943. With his Commanding Officer killed and many of the men casualties during the approach to the beach on D-Day, First Lieutenant Turner assumed command of the Company and promptly reorganizing the remainder of the unit under the enemy’s unceasing shell fire, and boldly led his troops in establishing a narrow beachhead line. Facing severe hostile resistance the following day he aggressively directed his company in delivering relentless determined attacks against the fanatic Japanese until sufficient beachhead was established to permit landing of replacements and supplies for the Division. By his daring initiative, forceful and inspiring leadership and cool courage in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Turner contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.