The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Henry L. Bellmon (MCSN: 0-17582), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. When his tank was damaged by a land mine immediately after landing on D-Day, First Lieutenant Bellmon remained in the immobilized tank although it was a prime target for enemy fire and, despite repeated artillery hits on the vehicle, ably directed the fire and controlled the movement of the remainder of the platoon by radio as it advanced beyond him in the attack to the airfield. While leading his platoon in column through mined terrain in the face of enemy fire on 22 February, he continued to advance after his tank had received several hits from a hostile anti-tank gun until forced to abandon it far beyond friendly front lines. On the following day, First Lieutenant Bellmon courageously led his platoon in another attack through restricted terrain and, when his tank was hit by anti-tank projectiles which destroyed it and killed several of the crew, changed vehicles and continued the attack. By his courage, determination and aggressive fighting spirit throughout, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.