The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John W. Beer (MCSN: 0-39465), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 7 March 1945. With the advance of his platoon and the company temporarily halted by enemy mortar, grenade and small arms fire, Second Lieutenant Beer courageously led flame thrower teams into front-line positions and personally directed their fire. Although painfully wounded while leading this assault, he continued to direct the advance of his platoon until he was evacuated. By his tactical skill and coolness under hostile fire, he contributed materially to the success of his company in capturing its objective and in killing at least fifty of the enemy during this perilous advance. His inspiring leadership throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.