The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant George E. Bartlett (MCSN: 269618), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a demolition rocket expert with a Marine Amphibious Corps on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 8 March 1945. This rocket launcher was towed by an armored vehicle and it was necessary that the rocket operator walk directly in rear of the launcher, in a completely exposed position, as it was maneuvered into position. On 8 March it was necessary to assign this launcher the mission of firing on certain fortified enemy positions. The inherent short range of the rockets necessitated dragging the launcher one hundred and fifty yards in advance of the front lines into an exposed position. Although suffering with acute catarrhal fever, Gunnery Sergeant Bartlett volunteered to accompany the launcher on this mission to adjust and control the fire and despite heavy enemy fire he coolly continued his task. Despite the heavy mortar and small arms fire directed at him and his weakened physical condition, he accomplished his mission, kneeling at the side of the launcher to adjust the fire. His intelligence, technical knowledge, devotion to duty and inspiring personal courage were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed materially to the success of a difficult operations. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.