The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Howard M. Goins (MCSN: 426644), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. When the enemy pinned down our front line troops by using a disabled tank for a registration point for their artillery fire, Sergeant Goins supervised the rapid removal of the vehicle in the face of intense hostile fire and, saving the tank from falling into enemy hands, contributed materially in resolving a situation critical to the mission of our forces. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.