The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Percy W. Hawes (MCSN: 251499), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. When every Officer, in addition to the First sergeant of his company became a casualty, Gunnery Sergeant Hawes moved into the front lines and personally led the company forward in the attack to gain four hundred yards. Again leading the unit the following day, he sustained wounds soon after the beginning of the attack and, although carried to the Company Command Post, refused medical treatment until he had explained the company’s situation to the next senior man. His inspiring leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.