The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jerome Francis Bonin (MCSN: 275937), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Corporal, serving with Headquarters and Service Battery, First Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against the enemy on Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. As acting corporal in charge of a wire team, Private First Class Bonin bravely exposed himself to intense enemy fire in order to lay his line across a stretch of high ground where it would be protected against vehicles. Running from shell hole to shell hole with complete disregard for his own safety, he successfully laid his wire and established communications. When shell fragments cut the wire, he immediately crossed again into the open under heavy mortar fire and repaired the line. By his personal courage, technical skill and devotion to duty, Private First Class Bonin was able to maintain communications between the observers and the guns during a period of critical action. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.