The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Medardo R. Navarro (MCSN: 954308), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Company Runner of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 8 March 1945. Undaunted by hostile fire, Private First Class Navarro voluntarily preceded our tanks and, guiding them by hand and arm signals, enabled them to advance over a rough road and hazardous terrain without bogging down before reaching the front line. Standing in front of the tanks, he skillfully directed the fire of our guns against the enemy and, when it became difficult to point out the well-camouflaged targets, exposed himself to further hazards by climbing into the tanks to continue directing the destruction of Japanese positions and emplacements. By his initiative and courage, Private First Class Navarro upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.