The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John J. Kasman, Jr. (MCSN: 445593), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Machine Gunner, Serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Refusing evacuation after receiving serious wounds during the initial landings, Private First Class Kasman courageously advanced with his squad into the face of heavy fire until his weapon was damaged by enemy machine-gun fire, leaving him in an exposed position without a weapon. Grimly determined, he changed the position of his gun, rapidly repaired it and, renewing his devastating stream of fire, destroyed a hostile machine gun which had been inflicting heavy casualties in his company. By his unselfish, valiant actions, aggressive fighting spirit and loyal devotion to duty, Private First Class Kasman contributed directly to the successful seizure of the strategic high ground near Quarry Number One, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.