The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joseph D. Maffesoli (MCSN: 816765), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rocket Launcher Operator of Company B, Fourth Engineer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 6 March 1945. When a hostile position was impeding the advance of his rifle platoon, Private First Class Maffesoli boldly exposed himself to hostile rifle and grenade fire to fire several rockets at the enemy. Discovering that his rockets had not silenced the enemy, he laid aside his weapon and despite the knowledge that several casualties had been caused by the barrage, armed himself solely with hand grenades and crawled to a forward position within effective range. From this location, Private First Class Maffesoli completely annihilated the enemy and captured the position. His bold initiative, skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.