The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Joseph P. Daniels (MCSN: 0-13884), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 26 February 1945. Ordered to withdraw on 21 February when heavy enemy fire from his rear and flanks made his position untenable, First Lieutenant Daniels skillfully directed his platoon until all effectives were in a safe place and, despite continuous machine-gun and rifle fire, remained with the casualties until they could be evacuated. Seriously wounded in the chest by sniper fire while leading his platoon in the attack on a strong hostile position on 26 February, he refused evacuation and remained on a point of vantage from which he could show his Platoon Sergeant a hidden enemy fortification and a proper approach to it, thereby contributing materially to the subsequent reduction of the hostile emplacement. His indomitable fighting spirit, leadership and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on First Lieutenant Daniels and the United States Naval Service.