The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harry L. Jackson (MCSN: 941147), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Machine Gun Squad of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 March 1945. When infiltrating forces succeeded in penetrating the outpost perimeter during the night and threw a hand grenade into a foxhole, which was occupied by him and three other Marines, Private First Class Jackson unhesitatingly took off his helmet and, diving upon the grenade, covered it with the helmet and his body to cushion the explosion. By his quick thinking and courageous action, Private First Class Jackson saved his three comrades from injury, although he, himself, was severely wounded. His initiative and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.