The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Reese H. Canaday (MCSN: 814310), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. After crossing an area covered by heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, Private First Class Canaday braved the hostile fire to re-cross the area and conduct the remainder of his platoon forward. On his way back, he administered first aid to a wounded comrade and, after carrying him two hundred yards to safety, helped reorganize the widely dispersed squads of his platoon and guide them forward through heavy Japanese barrages to the position occupied by his own squad. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Canaday and the United States Naval Service.