The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Howard F. Chambers (MCSN: 0-29195), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company G, First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Assigned an attack mission in a sector of rough, sandy ridges defended by concealed Japanese emplacements, a high-velocity fieldpiece and a heavy machine gun on high ground to the rear, Second Lieutenant Chambers carefully reconnoitered the area and then deployed his unit in a series of maneuvers to destroy the mutually supporting strongholds. Frequently advancing beyond the front lines to supervise tank and demolition personnel, he skillfully coordinated the attack of his unit and, at the end of the day, had destroyed thirty-two hostile emplacements and advanced an additional three hundred yards. His leadership and courage under enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.