The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert J. Verber (MCSN: 430886), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 16 March 1945. When his Platoon Leader and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the platoon became casualties while moving to a new position, Corporal Verber immediately set up his guns in position to cover the platoon from enemy fire and then began to organize the men of the platoon into a defensive line and to evacuate the wounded. By repeatedly braving the heavy hostile fire, he established an effective defense which enabled the casualties to be evacuated and prevented the Japanese from assaulting his section of the line. He remained with his men, continuing his heroic efforts, until he was wounded and evacuated. His resolute courage and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.