The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Joseph P. Guild (MCSN: 0-18093), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Engineer Officer of the Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 7 March 1945. Ordered to construct a road which would permit tanks to support the advance of an infantry company halted by hostile rifle and machine-gun fire, First Lieutenant Guild made a personal reconnaissance of the area and then returned for an armored tractor. Working under constant enemy fire, he personally supervised and directed the construction of the road and, although wounded by the Japanese, persevered in his mission and refused to be evacuated until the job was completed and the road made suitable for the use of the tanks. By his outstanding courage and determination, First Lieutenant Guild contributed materially to the success of the operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.