The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Eugene J. Hetman (MCSN: 275758), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity serving as a Fire Team Leader in a platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 21 February 1945. When his platoon was pinned down by intense hostile fire during the assault on strong enemy fortifications at the base of Mount Suribachi, Corporal Hesse volunteered to make his way around the flank of the Japanese strong point and create a diversion to the rear. When about thirty yards from the enemy forces, he began firing as he moved rapidly from one position to another, exposing himself repeatedly to draw the Japanese fire and diverting it sufficiently to enable his platoon to launch a successful frontal attack on the hostile positions. His heroic initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.