The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Timothy J. Durnan (MCSN: 319606), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. When his platoon was halted by heavy hostile fire, Private First Class Durnan crept to a position well forward of the front lines and, by well-placed rifle fire and accurately thrown hand grenades, cleared out caves and trenches occupied by the enemy. By his courageous devotion and determination, he contributed materially to the successful advance of his platoon. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.