The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Luther C. Crabtree (MCSN: 500560), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-six Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 25 March 1945. When the advance of his company was held up on 13 March by rifle and grenade fire from a series of caves to the front, Corporal Crabtree courageously ran forward of the front lines and destroyed two cave positions with demolitions. On March 15 in the face of enemy machine gun fire from hostile caves he again rushed forward through the front lines and attacked the positions with satchel charges to destroy three enemy strong points, thereby making possible the advance of his company. By his initiative and aggressive fighting spirit in executing these hazardous missions, Corporal Crabtree upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.