The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Robert H. Houser (MCSN: 0-6916), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 23 February to 16 March 1945. Taking command of an infantry battalion after the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer had become casualties, Major Houser courageously exposed himself to raking enemy fire to reconnoiter his entire front line and, subsequently coordinating and directing an attack, aided immeasurably in winning important ground from the Japanese. Throughout the operation, he accomplished assigned missions with a minimum loss of personnel and equipment and, by his skillful tactics, contributed materially to the success of his battalion. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Major Houser and the United States Naval Service.