The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Harry J. DeHaven (MCSN: 827790), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Runner of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 February 1945. When intense enemy artillery, mortar and machine-gun fire halted the advance of his platoon and destroyed all communications, Private DeHaven volunteered to carry a message to the Company Command Post two hundred yards to the rear. Negotiating the hazardous route, he delivered the message and returned to the front lines just as an artillery barrage started to land near his Platoon Leader. Courageously throwing himself over the Marine, he protected him from shrapnel although the pack he was wearing was completely destroyed. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.