The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward James Matthews (MCSN: 429604), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. When sudden bursts of hostile machine-gun, rifle and large-caliber mortar fire temporarily halted the advance of his platoon during the absence of his platoon leader, Private First Class Matthews observed a large number of Japanese soldiers in rocks and crevices to the front. Realizing that such fires might be a preparation for a counterattack, he voluntarily exposed himself to enemy fire to contact the adjacent unit which was lagging and succeeded in bringing it on line with his own platoon, thereby closing a gap in the lines at a critical time. A short time later, when communications had been disrupted, Private First Class Matthews made his way through accurate hostile fire to the company command post to report the results of his company’s mortar fire. Informed that a forward observer was needed to obtain more accurate fire on the enemy positions, he volunteered for this hazardous duty and directed effective fire which broke the Japanese resistance. His bold initiative, skill and courageous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Matthews and the United States Naval Service.