The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Clarence G. Coatney (MCSN: 859007), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 7 March 1945. When his companion was wounded by hostile machine gun fire while returning from the front line, Private First Class Coatney promptly obtained some hand grenades and crawling to within range of the enemy gun, stood up and threw several grenades to destroy the emplacement and kill its crew, after which he assisted the stricken man to an aid station. By his courage and initiative, Private First Class Coatney upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.