The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Howard A. Devoll (MCSN: 942681), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Headquarters Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division and serving with an infantry regiment in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. While under a heavy enemy mortar barrage, Private Devoll observed a wounded Marine lying in an area covered by snipers and, leaving his foxhole at the risk of his life, advanced into the intense rifle and mortar fire to the aid of his comrade. Unable to bring him back because of the heavy fire, he stayed with the wounded man in an exposed position until the mortar barrage lifted and then brought him through the sniper fire to safety. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.