The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Morris Joseph Bernard (MCSN: 490581), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Group Leader, serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Landing under intense mortar and machine gun fire during initial assault operations, Corporal Bernard observed that the merciless barrage was coming from a blockhouse directly in front of the landing party. Instantly maneuvering toward a position flanking the blockhouse, he continuously exposed himself to the devastating fury of the Japanese guns as he advanced alone upon the objective and, attacking the enemy position with hand grenades, succeeded in pinning down the hostile garrison until a demolition man moved up and completely destroyed the blockhouse. Although he yielded his life as a direct result of head wounds received during the bitter action, Corporal Bernard, by his expert tactical ability, daring initiative and devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, had enabled his company to continue the advance with a minimum loss of life, and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.