The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Richard A. Tilghman (MCSN: 0-22282), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader and later as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 19 February to 23 March 1945. When his platoon was split and pinned down by intense enemy fire from all directions on 25 February, First Lieutenant Tilghman moved back fifty yards in the face of heavy fire to obtain tank support. Leading the tanks into position to move against enemy forces on his left flank, he crossed a one hundred and fifty yard gap at the risk of his life to direct his right flank squad. Although heavy casualties had decimated the front line units and caused them to become disorganized, he courageously held the lines intact until relief arrived. His professional ability, courage under fire and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.