The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert R. Cavin (MCSN: 333526), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 24 February 1945. Assuming command when his rifle platoon leader became a casualty and at a time when the platoon’s advance was being held up by three hostile pillboxes and mortar fire, Sergeant Cavin courageously moved from man to man, encouraging them until tanks could be made available. After the tanks arrived, he boldly moved through a heavy concentration of mortar fire to place them in effect positions and then personally led the tanks and his men in an aggressive attack against the enemy fortifications. Later, when the telephone communications on the tanks failed to function, he further exposed himself to hostile small-arms fire by climbing upon one of the vehicles to direct its fire by talking through the port hole. By his cool and heroic actions, he aided greatly in neutralizing three enemy pillboxes and in capturing the commanding Japanese position. Sergeant Cavin’s skill and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.