Thurman Leo Dacus

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 6887
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thurman L. Dacus (MCSN: 400122), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, 16 June 1944.
When an exploding enemy artillery shell overturned the amphibious tractor in which he was riding ashore and trapped all occupants underneath it, Corporal Dacus immediately took charge of the damaged vehicle and, discovering a small opening in the coral, guided and pushed the men through this hole. By his courage in remaining in the disabled craft until the last man had been evacuated, he was directly responsible for saving the lives of sixteen men. His heroic actions and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.