The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Kenneth A. Martinosky (MCSN: 904972), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 4 March 1945. During his company’s attack against heavily fortified hostile positions, the right flank, composed of two rifle squads and a machine gun section, was isolated from the rest of the company under intense enemy mortar and small-arms fire. When his Platoon Leader and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers were wounded, Private First Class Martinosky assumed command and, although completely surrounded by hostile riflemen delivering accurate fire, boldly exposed himself to the enemy to direct the riflemen and machine gunners under his command. By his quick and gallant action, he enabled his group to hold their ground and close the gap in the lines, and his initiative and aggressive fighting spirit were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.