The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Matthew L. Blakely (MCSN: 0-16388), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Officer Interpreter of the FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. Organizing a small group to go ahead of friendly lines in an area strongly fortified by the enemy who had been holding up the advance of our troops, First Lieutenant Blakely braved intense hostile mortar, rocket and grenade fire to search for caves in this pocket of resistance. By his cool and heroic actions, he succeeded in capturing two prisoners from whom he obtained vital information concerning the identification of the brigade headquarters and the nature of the stubborn defense system used by the Japanese in this sector. First Lieutenant Blakely’s courage, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.