The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant J. D. Foster (MCSN: 301950), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Advancing with his platoon against a bitterly defended enemy position, Sergeant Foster was ordered to make a flanking attack on the position although there was no protection on his left. Fearlessly exposing himself to hostile fire, he reconnoitered a route through the enemy-controlled terrain and, returning to his unit, maneuvered his men to the objective. Destroying two pillboxes and several Japanese on the way, Sergeant Foster secured his objective without the loss of any of his men. His skillful leadership, courage and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.