The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Simon J. Hastie (MCSN: 928565), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fifth Pioneer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on the night of 20 February 1945. When the amphibian tractor loaded with urgently needed supplies which he was guiding to the front was ambushed by a group of nine Japanese, killing both operators, Private Hastie promptly manned the machine gun which was mounted on the vehicle and annihilated the entire group of Japanese. By his initiative, courage and devotion to duty he contributed to the safe delivery of the supplies and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.