The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edwin R. Randall (MCSN: 520288), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Crewman in a Platoon of the Third Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in support of the FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. While transporting flame-thrower fuel from the beach to a front-line unit of Marines, Private First Class Randall observed an advance patrol immobilized by fire from an enemy strong point. Quickly manning a machine gun, he delivered effective fire on the hostile emplacement, thereby neutralizing it to the extent that the patrol could withdraw to a new position. Soon after opening fire, Private First Class Randall was seriously wounded by an enemy hand grenade but refused to be evacuated until his ammunition was exhausted. His prompt actions, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.