The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant George A. Wrisley, Jr. (MCSN: 0-17557), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Naval gun fire spotter of the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa, Gilbert Islands from 20 to 26 November 1943. Volunteering to accompany advance elements in neutralizing extremely heavy Japanese resistance retarding the advance of our forces on 22 and 23 November, Second Lieutenant Wrisley fearlessly braved the enemy’s shattering machine gun and rifle fire to direct accurate, determined artillery and naval gun fire bombardments rendering vital assistance in wiping out many hostile emplacements and contributing to the success of our forces in capturing this important Japanese stronghold. His courageous leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination, maintained at great personal risk throughout the fierce hostilities, reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Wrisley and the United States Naval Service.