The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Malcolm D. Funk (MCSN: 547057), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, Second Division, in action against enemy Japanese Forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 17 March 1945. Proceeding on his own initiative, Private First Class Funk climbed a twenty foot cliff armed with a flame thrower and, approaching a cave which was occupied by a number of enemy troops, ordered them to emerge and surrender. After four of them had come out and were complying with his order to strip, an enemy sniper seriously wounded him, knocking him off the cliff and permitting his captives flee. Despite his wound, Private First Class Funk climbed the cliff again and stayed there directing the fire troops in the area were annihilated. His bold initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty ere in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.