During the initial part of the Tarawa Battle, Brigadier General Hermle was sent ashore by his commanding officer, Major General Smith, to collect information and took over tactical command. Hermle stayed in the landing zone in the lagoon awaiting further instructions. All communications failed and Hermle was unable to reach Colonel David M. Shoup's headquarters, where the defense was coordinated. He remained in the lagoon and supervised arrival of reserve troops and supplies, as well as evacuation of wounded under heavy enemy fire. He later planned and commanded the landing operations at Abemama. For his efforts during Tarawa and Abemama operations, Hermle was decorated with the Legion of Merit with Combat "V". He also received the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, when the President decorated 2nd Marine Division for its efforts at Tarawa.