The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Nelson “S” Gerhart (MCSN: 286204), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Weapons Company, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 9 March 1945. When his unit was exposed to intense enemy fire and forced to withdraw, Sergeant Gerhart braved the hostile fire to move 150 yards to the right to contact a flame-throwing tank and, leading the tank through heavy mortar fire, directed devastating fire which enabled his unit to continue the advance. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Gerhart and the United States naval Service.