The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John M. Meyer (MCSN: 523551), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Driver of Company B, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 24 February 1945. When his tank was hit by a large caliber shell which split its front slope plate and when two more large caliber shells burst on the turret above him during an attack on enemy positions, Sergeant Meyer insisted on remaining in the vehicle as driver although he was stunned, wounded and temporarily blinded by fragments which came through the open hatches and, unable to see, drove his tank through an intricate mine field in difficult terrain guided only by orders from the tank commander. His perseverance, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.