The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Harold E. Haught (MCSN: 259703), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Gunnery Sergeant of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 23 March 1945. Assuming command of a disorganized platoon at nightfall after it was pinned down by heavy enemy fire; Gunnery Sergeant Haught braved intense small arms fire and bursting grenades to reorganize the group and, after establishing contact on his flanks, dug the platoon in for the night. Although wounded during the action, he remained with his platoon and inspired his men to hold their position during the night and launch a successful attack in the morning. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.