The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Quentin V. Earl (MCSN: 0-18066), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of company B, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Voluntarily braving heavy enemy fire of all types, First Lieutenant Earl made a personal reconnaissance of an area to be assaulted by tanks and infantry and, after coordinating the attack, led the assault in his tank until the vehicle was struck by a high explosive shell which painfully wounded him. Steadfastly refusing evacuation at a time when his unit and surrounding infantry were receiving heavy fire from their front, he courageously led his platoon across an area known to be mined to reduce the source of this fire and then led an attack on the gun positions which covered his route of approach and succeeded in destroying the enemy fortifications. Still bleeding and in pain, First Lieutenant Earl persisted in the attack until success was assured ant then directed the withdrawal of his platoon before accepting medical attention. His determined fighting spirit and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Unites States Naval Service.