The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel John S. Oldfield (MCSN: 0-5129), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. When his Battalion came under intense mortar and artillery fire during an enemy counterattack, Lieutenant Colonel Oldfield left his command post to visit the Battalion howitzer positions and, remaining there despite intense hostile barrages, directed his howitzer crews in delivering rapid and accurate fire against the Japanese, thereby contributing to the success of our forces in repelling the counterattack. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Oldfield and the United States Naval Service.