The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John B. Clapp (MCSN: 0-12535), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 26 February 1945. After being wounded by a Japanese shell and evacuated to the battalion aid station, Captain Clapp voluntarily returned to his company and although suffering from concussion led his company in the assault against a very heavily defended enemy position. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy hostile machine gun and artillery fire in order to keep the attack coordinated he sustained additional wounds while issuing orders to a subordinate on the front lines. Evacuated shortly thereafter, Captain Clapp by his fortitude, determination and courageous leadership, contributed to the success of this action thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.