The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Frank W. Banks (NSN: 6255169), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman with a Marine Infantry Regiment of the SECOND Marine Division on Tinian, Mariana Islands, on 1 August 1944. When a Marine was wounded and fell in the entrance to a cave, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Banks unhesitatingly rushed up to the mouth of the cave to administer first aid to the wounded man. While he was so engaged, there was a terrific explosion within the cave. Instead of seeking cover for himself, Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Banks threw himself on the wounded man and shielded him with his own body from falling debris and rocks. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.