The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant David W. Deerfield (MCSN: 216674*), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Acting Gunnery Sergeant of a Machine Gun Platoon of Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 28 February to 8 March 1945. When rocket launcher ammunition was urgently needed in the company’s right flank platoon on 8 March, Platoon Sergeant Deerfield unhesitatingly volunteered to deliver the ammunition. Advancing under heavy machine-gun fire, he was severely wounded while en route and, although suffering great pain, continued his advance and completed his mission. His courageous initiative and disregard for personal safety which were important factors in bringing fire to bear upon the enemy and enabling his company to take its objectives with a minimum of casualties reflect the highest credit upon Platoon Sergeant Deerfield and the United States Naval Service.