The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Merrill L. Crippen (MCSN: 468612), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Demolition Squad Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 2 March 1945. Assuming command of a demolitions squad after the Squad Leader was wounded, Corporal Crippen led a successful assault against a strong Japanese force entrenched in three caves holding up the advance of his company. Although enemy riflemen covers the cave entrances after he had sealed the first cave he continued on his mission and after successfully closing the second one moved on to the third. Wounded a second time and greatly weakened he demolished the last cave and refused to be evacuated until his company had secured the area. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.