The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Roy A. Ford (MCSN: 448849), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader, Acting Platoon Guide and Acting Platoon Sergeant of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-eight Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 24 March 1945. When his platoon was held up by a pocket of five enemy caves on 24 March, while he was acting as Platoon Sergeant, Corporal Ford went forward with three men in an attempt to destroy the formidable barrier and, despite intense fire from covering spider traps, placed demolition charges until he was wounded and evacuated. His courage and devotion to duty throughout this period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.