The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Daniel H. Pappas (MCSN: 421584), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 2 to 24 March 1945. On 13 March, when his company had an exposed flank which was a serious threat to its position, Private First Class Pappas led a tank through heavy small arms fire to a position where it could cover this gap. Remaining in this location under heavy fire, he effectively directed the tank’s fire and greatly lessened the threat to the unit’s position. When reinforcements arrived later to fill the gap, he voluntarily guided them to their positions and informed them of known enemy targets in their area. His bold initiative, indomitable courage and unselfish devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.