The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Vincent P. Herzog (MCSN: 293943), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Machine gun Platoon and later as Acting First Sergeant of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 21 February to 24 March 1943. Demonstrating cool judgment and courage, Platoon Sergeant Herzog braved heavy mortar fire on 23 February, to rescue a wounded member of his platoon. On three occasions, as Acting First Sergeant, he assumed command of his company and effectively maintained its organization and efficiency until officer replacements arrived. During patrolling operations on 23 March, he advanced three hundred yards alone to investigate a white flag and induced ten of the enemy to surrender. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.