The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Jackson P. Mickelwait (MCSN: 0-16891), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Commanding Officer of Company A, Fourth Engineer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 16 March 1945. Volunteering to lead an assault on a bypassed Japanese strong point which had repulsed a previous attempt and had caused heavy casualties, First Lieutenant Mickelwait assembled a small force of engineer demolitionists, two depleted infantry platoons, an armored bulldozer and a flame thrower tank. Constantly exposing himself to enemy fire, he led and coordinated his force in an assault which completely destroyed the hostile position without loss to his own command. His outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.