The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Gearl M. English (MCSN: 0-21695), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. When his tank was destroyed by a land mine shortly after landing on D-Day, First Lieutenant English remained steadfast in the immobilized vehicle throughout the day, although it was repeatedly hit by hostile fire, to direct the progress of his platoon. On another occasion when the unit came under heavy enemy antitank fire while attacking the central airfield through an area mined and marked by shell holes, he ordered the balance of the group to withdraw to defilade while he directed his vehicle in battling the antitank weapons. Although his tank was stopped by repeated hits, First Lieutenant English and his crew continued their fire until they had destroyed at least one antitank gun and several mortar positions. Throughout the twenty-six days of relentless fighting on this Pacific stronghold, he continued to lead his platoon against the Japanese although several times his tanks were destroyed by enemy mines and guns. By his courage, leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, First Lieutenant English upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.