Serial # 336038
Kirksville, Missouri
Awarded the Silver Star for actions on Tarawa:
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 Olin L. Darnel, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Amphibian Tractor Battalion, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, from 29 November to 3 December 1943. As a crew member of an amphibian tractor landing on the heavily fortified beachhead with the initial assault wave on D-Day, Corporal Darnel fearlessly exposed himself to the enemy's incessant barrages to make repeated trips to and from the beach to deliver necessary replacements, ammunition and supplies. With his vehicle partially disabled by hostile shellfire during the afternoon of the first day of action, he skillfully and efficiently effected repairs in the field, then valiantly continued transporting his vital cargo to front lines areas throughout the remainder of the fierce hostilities. By his daring initiative, dauntless courage and steadfast devotion to duty throughout, Corporal Darnel contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Glen and Olin Darnell, were brothers whose serial numbers are consecutive indicating they joined together. Each received the Silver Star for their actions on the same date while in the 2nd Amtrac Battalion. Link to Glen Darnell.
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Created 31 January 2020
