The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Isadore Biess (MCSN: 478248), United States Marine Corps Reserves, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Company A, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, and on board an LST en route to Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. When the LST was struck by a suicide plane which penetrated into the tank deck, Corporal Biess entered the burning area wearing a gas mask and opened a pressure valve to secure water for the fire hoses. Then, with the aid of several comrades, he succeeded in getting a fire hose into the tank deck and bringing the fire under control, thereby preventing an ammunition magazine explosion which would have caused further damage to the ship and personnel. Displaying great courage, Corporal Biess later entered the burning living quarters of the crew in search of wounded personnel. His initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Biess and the United States Naval Service.