The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ronald M. Chiasson (MCSN: 369713), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. When his Squad Leader became a casualty, Corporal Chiasson assumed command of the squad and, skillfully leading his unit, contributed materially to the success of his company. When intense enemy machine-gun fire delayed the advance of his squad, he seized a rocket launcher, exposed himself to the hostile barrage in order to maneuver himself into a position to fire on the enemy machine gun nest and, by his accurate fire, eliminated the Japanese strong point and enabled his unit to advance. His initiative, skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.