The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Mario L. Laudisio (MCSN: 274150), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Guide, serving with Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during operations on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. When his platoon sergeant and platoon leader became casualties, Sergeant Laudisio immediately took charge and ran from cover to cover under heavy enemy machine-gun and sniper fire, placing to the aid of one of his squad leaders struck down by hostile machine-gun fire, Sergeant Laudisio dragged the wounded man into a shell hole and, although mortally wounded during this action, refused aid for himself until all efforts to save his companion had failed. His heroic spirit of self-sacrifice was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.