The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Stanley A. Araujo (MCSN: 399788), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 25 February 1945. During a frontal assault on heavily defended enemy positions across Motoyama Airfield Number Two, Private Araujo’s company received heavy casualties from intense enemy small arms and mortar fire which disrupted communications with other assault units. Traversing the area between the two companies several times, he succeeded in establishing contact although he was severely wounded by mortar fragments. When the companies were ordered to withdraw to stronger positions and were forced to leave many of the seriously wounded in front of the lines, Private Araujo voluntarily stayed behind to aid the wounded and, after organizing stretcher teams, made two trips to the rear with seriously wounded men before he was ordered to remain and get medical attention for his own wounds. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.