Delbert C. Teel

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander Pacific Fleet: Serial 0647
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Delbert C. Teel (MCSN: 311783), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Eighth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands on 21 November 1943.
Dispatched with his automatic weapon to cover the advance of his squad in an attack against a hostile machine gun nest, Corporal Teel immediately assumed a strategic position for delivering effective fire against the enemy. Detecting a second Japanese emplacement firing relentlessly on the advancing troops he fearlessly crawled forward through the shattering barrage in an effort to draw the fire to himself and away from his unit.
Although wounded during the fierce action, Corporal Teel, by his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of others at great personal risk had assured the advance of his quad and contributed to the success of a perilous mission. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.