The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Richard Robert Gardner (MCSN: 419667), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader, serving with Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 13 March 1945. Assigned the mission of storming the nose of a savagely-defended ridge, Private First Class Gardner courageously led his squad one hundred yards out on the ridge where he and men were assaulted by a tremendous volume of Japanese machine-gun and rifle fire as they maneuvered into position. When one of his squad fell seriously wounded under the sudden barrage, Private First Class Gardner disregarder personal danger to pull his comrade to a place of comparative safety, but was himself fatally wounded by the intense enemy fire. His fearless initiative, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Gardner and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.