The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Francis F. Collins (MCSN: 0-19395), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. Shortly after the initial landing First Lieutenant Collins led the attack against an enemy pill box which prevented the advance of his company inland from the beach. After emplacing his supporting weapons, he advanced alone and threw hand grenades into the stronghold, effectively neutralizing it while he maneuvered his flame thrower operators into a position from which they were able to fire on the hostile position and destroy it thereby facilitating the continuation of his units attack inland. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.