The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Samuel J. Neff (MCSN: 480055), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Battery A, Second 155-mm. Howitzer Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. When one of the howitzers of his battery sustained a direct hit from hostile counter battery fire and a raging fire in the ammunitions pit ensued, Private First Class Neff boldly ran to a bulldozer, and although the area was still undergoing heavy shelling, proceeded to push dirt over the burning ammunition. Cool and determined, he continued his efforts until the intense heat and dense smoke rendered him unconscious. By his daring initiative, courage and determination, Private First Class Neff aided materially in preventing the spread of a fire to which threatened the loss of the entire battery, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.