The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Marvin E. Opatz (MCSN: 905635), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a 60-mm. Mortar Squad of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. When enemy shells began falling in the area of his weapon, Private First Class Opatz and another Marine were engaged in placing a seriously wounded Marine on a stretched in preparation for evacuation. Remaining with the casualty despite the intense hostile fire, he realized that it was impossible to carry the wounded Marine to safety alone and, placing his body over that of the injured man to protect him from the enemy shelling, suffered severe shrapnel wounds in both legs. By his courage, resourcefulness and unselfish devotion to duty, he saved the wounded Marine’s life and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.