The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John D. Clark, Jr. (MCSN: 0-22697), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 and 23 February 1945. Assuming command when his Company Commander became a casualty First Lieutenant Clark constantly exposed himself to the hostile machine gun and mortar fire in order to place men and weapons in defensive positions to hold bitterly contested ground and to maintain liaison with units on his flanks. Although his company was reduced to half strength by the Japanese fire, he received orders to attack and rallying his men led them against the enemy’s most heavily defended position. When cross fires from hostile bunkers and pillboxes delayed his assault platoons he personally led them in a furious hand to hand assault of these positions until severely wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit, courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.