The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Melvin H. Hazaleus (MCSN: 0-16158), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Tank Platoon Leader of Company C, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. When his tank was disabled and burning First Lieutenant Hazaleus remained with the vehicle and assisted in extinguishing the fire. Then, although suffering from multiple wounds and burns he climbed down into the driver’s seat and moved the tank from the vicinity so that the enemy position could be brought under attack by other tanks. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.