The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Melvin D. Love (MCSN: 408217), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Forward Observer in a Mortar Platoon of Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Exposing himself to enemy fire, Private First Class Love crept forward of the front lines to observe the hostile artillery fire which was inflicting heavy casualties on our troops. Observing the fire of enemy guns from this hazardous position, he skillfully directed mortar fire on the Japanese artillery and succeeded in destroying it. By his skill, courage and unselfish devotion to duty, he undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.