The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John F. Hoffman (MCSN: 443371), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 25 February 1945. While coolly and courageously reorganizing his squad under intense mortar and machine gun fire, Corporal Hoffman was wounded in the face and, because of the need for his leadership during a vital assault on strongly held enemy positions refused to be evacuated. Aggressively leading his men forward in the attack, he directed supporting fire which materially aided in the success of the assault. Quick to act when a rifleman was wounded in an open clearing during the advance, Corporal Hoffman rushed forward in the face of heavy hostile fire, carried the Marine to safety and immediately applied first aid. Wounded a second time during the continued attack, he still refused medical aid, finished the assault and helped secure the objective. Although paralyzed on the left side of his body and unable to turn his head he personally supervised the organization of the defensive position, permitting himself to be evacuated only after this position had been completely reorganized and an officer had arrived to assume command. By his valiant leadership, fortitude and courage, Corporal Hoffman contributed materially to the success of his unit, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.