The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Kenneth S. Nelson (MCSN: 0-32961), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February, 1945. When his Company Commander was mortally wounded during an intense hostile mortar barrage upon the company’s night position, Second Lieutenant Nelson immediately assumed command of the company and, braving fire from the enemy attempting to infiltrate through a gap on his left flank, reorganized his men and reestablished contact on the flank before the Japanese could infiltrate in force. By his courage and initiative, he prevented the enemy from penetrating his lines at a time when such an infiltration would have been costly to the organization of the entire Regimental front. His leadership, initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Nelson and the United States Naval Service.