The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Marion E. Reynolds (MCSN: 0-17352), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Assistant Platoon Leader of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. With the mission of supporting the advance of an infantry battalion, First Lieutenant Reynolds volunteered to act as forward Observer with an assault rifle company to effect the destruction of a blockhouse in the company’s zone of action. Approaching his objective under scattered enemy fire to a point well in front of friendly troops, he assisted in laying wire for communications and then, ordering the riflemen back to safety, adjusted the mortar fire upon the blockhouse. Under intense hostile fire and wounded by a fragment of one of the shell-bursts, he remained at his post until the blockhouse was destroyed thereby materially aiding in the advance of the battalion. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.