Corporal Robert W. Johnsmiller, United States Marine Corps: For extraordinary heroism during action against enemy Japanese forces in Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 20,1943. As squad leader of a rifle squad of an assault company, he was leading his men over the fire-swept sea wall bordering the beach when he received a bullet wound that put out his left eye. Despite this painful wound, and in the face of heavy enemy machine gun fire and fire from rifles, he continued to lead his squad in an aggressive and inspiring manner in the destruction of several hostile pillboxes until he was persuaded by his own men that he should withdraw to receive first aid. His aggressiveness, courage, and utter disregard for his wound and personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service.