The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Henry F. Hastings (MCSN: 467580), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Signal Corporal of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 26 February 1945. Volunteering to lead a carrying party across a fire swept airfield to a rear dump area, Corporal Hastings successfully reached the critically needed supplies and on the return trip exposed himself to hostile fire from a by passed enemy pill box to ascertain its position. Then, crawling forward with a demolition charge, he destroyed the Japanese strong point, thereby enabling the carrying party to complete its mission. His outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.