The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Vito P. Favia (MCSN: 498713), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as demolitions Sergeant, serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, March 10, 1945. Pinned down on the beach by intense rifle fire from heavily fortified bunker, Sergeant Favia gallantly advanced toward the enemy position and worked his way to the top of the bunker where he placed a demolition charge. Although wounded by cross-fire from another bunker as he was fixing the charge to the air vent, he persisted in his mission, setting off the charge and destroying the hostile bunker before returning to his men across the fire-swept beach. Later succumbing to his wounds, Sergeant Favia, by his initiative, perseverance and courage had rendered valiant service during the critical period of the action and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.