The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Earnest J. Buckley (MCSN: 331916), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 5 to 9 March 1945. Assuming command after all officers of his company had become casualties, Platoon Sergeant Buckley reorganized the group and, personally reconnoitering the area under heavy and accurate hostile small-arms fire, led his men forward in the face of stiffening resistance of a strong Japanese line that had held up the advance. When an enemy strong point again slowed the advance of the Battalion on 9 March, he fearlessly braved accurate rifle and mortar fire to select positions for his automatic weapons and, skillfully coordinating their fire, rallied his depleted forces for a last attack, personally leading them forward through caves and intricate ravines under deadly small-arms fire until wounded. By his leadership, courage and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, Platoon Sergeant Buckley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.