The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Theodore H. Loney (MCSN: 529221), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, Fourth Pioneer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. When a Marine accidentally fell into deep water while disembarking from a landing craft with a broken ramp and, encumbered by his equipment, was being dragged seaward by the surf, Private First Class Loney unhesitatingly swam from the beach where he was serving with the shore party to the drowning man’s aid. Although struck and stunned by a boat backing off the beach, he still managed to support the incapacitated Marine until further aid could be obtained. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty at a time when the beach was under enemy fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.