The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Donald J. Kornhaas (MCSN: 861679), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. Under heavy mortar and small-arms fire, Private First Class Kornhaas voluntarily led tanks into the lines and directed their fire against enemy positions which were holding up the advance. When his Squad Leader was killed on the night of 8 March, he assumed command and skillfully reorganized his squad into an effective fighting unit. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.