The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harold S. Waddell (MCSN: 341283), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Twenty-second Marines (Reinforced) First Provisional Marine Brigade in action against enemy Japanese forces on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands on 18 February 1944. Volunteering to recover an important heavy machine gun when the crew was killed by enemy gun fire, Private First Class Waddell moved forward with a comrade to the isolated fire swept terrain and placing the gun in a more favorable position, laid down a devastating barrage against the enemy. By his courageous action, initiative and zealous devotion to duty, Private First Class Waddell contributed materially to the success of the operations against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.