The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John B. Edgar, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6456), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Fourteenth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in the action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. Landing early in the afternoon of 19 February, under intense fire from hostile artillery, mortar, and automatic weapons, Major Edgar boldly established his Battalion in a firing position and, by his cool judgment and aggressive action, enabled his unit to silence many enemy weapons firing on the beach and on his position during the afternoon and night of the first day. His relentless fighting spirit, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.