The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Jackson B. Butterfield (MCSN: 0-5840), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 25 March 1945. Landing his Battalion in the assault on 19 February, with the mission of getting quickly across the Island, Lieutenant Colonel Butterfield skillfully maneuvered his force in the face of heavy enemy machine-gun and mortar fire from the front and both flanks. When the assault elements were pinned down on the beach immediately after landing, he urged them forward and started the Battalion on a steady advance which did not halt, despite continuous and bitter opposition, until the other side of the Island had been reached. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty in directing the attack were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.