The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Gerald Hugh Young (MCSN: 550886), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Demolition Man, serving with Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 7 March 1945. When his Battalion, suffering from heavy casualties, carried out an attack in the face of terrific mortar and machine-gun fire, Private Young boldly advanced from pillbox to pillbox in a self-sacrificing effort to destroy vital enemy strongholds. Armed with prepared demolition charges, he advanced under protection of company riflemen, destroyed three strongly fortified hostile emplacements and successfully charged a fourth before succumbing to mortal wounds. His vigorous and fearless assault, in utter disregard of all personal danger, enabled the Battalion’s advance to continue and reflects the highest credit upon Private Young and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.