The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Albert L. Ford (MCSN: 523096), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner in a Rifle Platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 28 February 1945. Following the capture of a Japanese strong point when his platoon was ordered to reorganize and set up in a more favorable position, Private First class Ford voluntarily joined a group which was returning to the enemy lines to search out and rescue three wounded Marines who had been left behind. Despite intense mortar and machine-gun fire which had defeated previous rescue attempts by stretcher bearers, he proceeded two hundred yards into hostile territory and assisted in neutralizing a Japanese pillbox and in evacuating the wounded men to safety. By his initiative and courage in the face of intense enemy fire, Private First Class Ford upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.