The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Billy Divine (MCSN: 288011), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. When his company had been pinned down by machine-gun fire from a concealed position, Platoon Sergeant Divine skillfully deployed his squad in a flanking forward attack and, with only ten yards remaining between himself and the objective, rushed the emplacement in the face of intense enemy fire. Using automatic rifle fire and hand grenades, he led his comrades in pressing an attack to neutralize the strong point and destroy all occupants. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.