The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John A. Misaejko (MCSN: 436672), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader, serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on the night of 22 February 1945. Observing a group of Japanese entering a cave to place a mortar in action, Corporal Misaejko attacked immediately and, engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, annihilated four of them and destroyed the mortar. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.