The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Linden M. Bucklin (MCSN: 269706), 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, 13 and 14 March 1945. When heavy enemy fire from a series of caves to the front held up the advance of his platoon, Staff Sergeant Bucklin fearlessly moved in front of his men and, personally leading the attack, contributed materially to the accomplishment of the company’s mission. Again leading his platoon forward in the face of deadly fire the following day, he aided in seizing high ground to the front in an ensuing grenade fight before being evacuated as a result of wounds sustained during the action. By his courageous leadership and determination at a time when his company had lost all its officers, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.