The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Samuel G. Precopio (MCSN: 867547), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of a forward observer party of the Fourth Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 24 February 1945. When one member of his forward observer party was killed and six were wounded during a mortar barrage, Private First Class Precopio administered first aid to the casualties although wounded himself and despite the danger from rounds that were still falling, removed the men to positions of greater safety. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.