The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Richard L. Cromartie, Jr. (MCSN: 0-17226), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 22 February 1945. Upon receiving information that an enemy patrol was operating in the area to his rear First Lieutenant Cromartie volunteered to lead a combat night patrol to ward off this danger. Discovering the hostile patrol, First Lieutenant Cromartie and his men killed three and put the remainder of the enemy to flight after which he pursued them closely until the enemy was driven into elements of his platoon and annihilated thereby eliminating a menace to rearward supply areas. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.