The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Kenneth E. Devillez (MCSN: 927076), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 20 and 21 February 1945. Although his left hand was rendered useless when shrapnel from a hostile artillery shell blew an automatic rifle out of his hands, Private First class Devillez picked up another weapon and, advising no one of his wound, continued in the attack. Despite this handicap and his painful condition, he directed skillful and accurate fire which killed several of the enemy before he was evacuated. His aggressive fighting spirit and staunch devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Private First Class Devillez and the United States Naval Service.