The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jean-Marie M. Bellemare (MCSN: 413474), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURETH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Moving forward through intense enemy small arms and mortar fire to destroy an enemy bunker holding up the advance of his company, Corporal Bellemare led a flame thrower team and demolition man to a position from which to assault the enemy strong point and, when the demolitions man was killed as he was about to place his explosive charge, rushed to the fallen man, picked up the charge and pushed it into the bunker opening, completely destroying the strong point. By his initiative, courage and devotion to duty, he aided the rifle company in continuing its advance and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.