The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Rupert C. Henley (MCSN: 0-7786), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Fifth Pioneer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 19 to 24 February 1945. Landing his headquarters shortly after H-Hour, Major Henley immediately made a thorough reconnaissance of the beach area although he was continually subjected to heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire which rendered him unconscious and slightly wounded him. When supplies were urgently needed by a combat team, he quickly ordered his shore party to land and personally supervised and directed the placing of personnel on the beach. Despite continuing heavy small arms and mortar fire from Mount Suribachi Major Henley ably directed his battalion in landing and delivering adequate quantities of supplies over rugged terrain to the combat team they were assigned to support and although enemy fire at times became so intense that complete stoppage of work was necessary, he immediately left his foxhole first when the fire slackened sufficiently to permit continuance of work. By his courageous leadership and aggressive fighting spirit throughout, Major Henley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.