The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Thomas B. Pearce, Jr. (MCSN: 0-7569), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 20 February 1945. Learning that the Commanding Officer of one of the assault companies and several of his men were lying seriously wounded and helpless in an advance position covered by heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire, Major Pearce quickly organized a volunteer party of litter bearers from the battalion’s command post and led them forward to successfully evacuate the wounded, a task which was not completed until after dark. By his initiative he undoubtedly saved the lives of several men and furnished encouragement to the men of the company which had lost its leader. His unselfish devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.