Henry Mack Creswell

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0647
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Henry Mack Creswell (MCSN: 347417), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands on 22 November 1943.
Assigned the extremely dangerous task of reconnoitering an area immediately forward of the front lines in an effort to determine the location of a group of isolated Marines and the possibility of sending reinforcements, Corporal Creswell boldly advanced under the enemy's shattering machine gun and rifle fire to an area held by friendly troops who informed him that the unit was some forty yards distant.
Determined to complete his perilous mission he unhesitatingly preceded through Japanese infested territory and, finally contacting the Commanding Officer of the stricken group, expeditiously made his way back to his own lines to report the vital information.
By his dauntless perseverance, untiring efforts and cool courage in the face of grave peril Corporal Creswell was instrumental in effecting the prompt dispatch of reinforcements to relieve the stranded Marines and in making possible the evacuation of many wounded. His valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.