The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Bernard L. Pedneau (MCSN: 0-17725), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 24 to 26 February 1945. When all platoon leaders of the company had become casualties, First Lieutenant Pedneau assumed command of a rifle platoon in addition to his regular duties and moving from the command post to the platoon under intense mortar and small arms fire, greatly aided in the five hundred yard advance made by his company that day. The next day, he rendered invaluable assistance to his Company Commander in planning the attack for the following day. Although wounded during the attack against heavily fortified and well-defended positions on 26 February, First Lieutenant Pedneau refused to be evacuated and continued to give orders until loss of blood forced him to retire. His professional ability, courageous leadership and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.