The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Patrick P. Pace (MCSN: 406340), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an acting squad leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 18 March 1945. When a wounded Marine fell in the direct fire of the enemy Sergeant Pace braved hostile machine gun and sniper fire to crawl beyond the front lines toward enemy held positions. After working forward for a distance of thirty yards he reached the wounded man and succeeded in carrying him to a place of safety where first aid was administered. His courage and initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.