The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jack Coutts (MCSN: 443783), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 1 March 1945. When an adjacent rifle platoon was attacking across an open area approximately one hundred yards wide under heavy hostile small arms and mortar fire, Corporal Coutts observed a member of the Rifle platoon lying wounded about half way across the open area and under continuing intense Japanese fire. Seriously wounded himself while attempting to rescue the casualty, he flung his body over the Marine to shield him from further wounds until the enemy fire was lifted and he could be evacuated. By his initiative and courageous devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, Corporal Coutts upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.