The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Virgil C. Fletcher (MCSN: 555696), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. Undertaking to guide a company of tanks into action against the enemy, Private Fletcher courageously exposed himself to hostile fire and, when the first tank was destroyed by a mine, immediately led out a second tank and guided it through the mines to the head of the column. Then after assisting in the evacuation of the crew members of the disabled vehicle, he returned once again through heavy enemy mortar fire to remove maps and codes which the crew had left behind. By his resolute courage and steadfast devotion to duty, Private Fletcher upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.