The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Salvator Acquaviva (MCSN: 503050), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Landing with the first wave of infantry on D-Day, Private Acquaviva advanced inland with his company a distance of thirty yards when taken under intense artillery, mortar, rocket, machine gun and rifle fire which halted his company’s advance in the vicinity of the railroad tracks. In company with another member of his squad, he courageously and voluntarily crept forward to this enemy position and observed five or six Japanese in a dugout. With the hostile troops hurling hand grenades at them, Private Acquaviva killed one of the enemy as he arose to fire and then charged into the enemy position. Although a hand grenade exploded between his legs as he was running towards the dugout, he hurled another grenade into the dugout, killing the remaining Japanese and eliminating this position. By his cool and gallant action, Private Acquaviva enabled his company to continue the advance, and his courage, initiative and selflessness during this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.