The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Alfred J. O’Banion (MCSN: 907482), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. When the advance of his platoon was halted by heavily fortified enemy positions, Private First Class O’Banion led tanks into the lines and, directing their fire by hand and arm signals, assisted directly in knocking out two enemy pillboxes, thereby allowing his platoon to advance. Although wounded by hostile mortar fire during the action, he refused evacuation until he had aided in removing another wounded man to safety. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class O’Banion and the United States Naval Service.