The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John M. Cooley (MCSN: 0-16097), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 12 to 14 March 1945. When the infantry assault on heavily fortified Japanese positions was stopped because of rough terrain which prevented the use of tanks, First Lieutenant Cooley under took the construction of a tank road and after making a reconnaissance of the area under heavy enemy fire, personally led and directed an armored bull dozer to a point beyond the front lines. As our troops advanced First Lieutenant Cooley repeatedly exposed himself to deadly hostile fire to extend the roads, continuing this dangerous work until wounded. By his initiative, courage and skill he aided materially in the advance of the infantry in this sector and in the ultimate defeat of the enemy on Iwo Jima, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.