The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Benjamin A. Hamm (MCSN: 0-16835), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Maintenance Officer of Company A, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. Although painfully wounded shortly after landing on D-Day First Lieutenant Hamm steadfastly refused evacuation and braved a hail of hostile machine gun and artillery fire to direct the evacuation of wounded and the reorganization of tank crews whose tanks had been destroyed or disabled. Later that same day he courageously directed the retrieving and repair of several tanks in front of friendly lines under continuous fire from the enemy. By his heroic efforts, First Lieutenant Hamm was in large measure responsible for providing sufficient vehicles for the support of the infantry and his courage, leadership and aggressive fighting spirit throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.