The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Bert E. Zumberge (MCSN: 813623), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, Fifth Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Apamama Atoll, Gilbert Islands, 24 November 1943. When one of his comrades was wounded during a heavy enemy rifle and machine-gun barrage, Private Zumberge immediately left his sheltered position to go to the aid of the man. Although the area was covered by hostile machine-gun fire, he protected the casualty with his own body and rendered first aid until he, himself, was wounded. Refusing to be evacuated, he continued his attempts to evacuate the wounded man and repeatedly refused to submit to first-aid treatment himself until everything possible had been done for the other wounded Marine. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private Zumberge and the United States Naval Service.