The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Frank K. Finneran (MCSN: 0-8336), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 25 February 1945. Advancing from the Battalion Command Post to determine the exact location of the front lines, Captain Finneran traversed an airfield which was under direct enemy observation, mortar and small-arms fire. On arriving at the front lines at nightfall, he found two companies in a generally disorganized condition due to heavy enemy fire and, moving among the forward elements, skillfully consolidated the positions and tied in the lines. In addition, he assisted in consolidating the positions of a company of an adjacent battalion which had lost most of its key personnel. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.