The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Philip Romero (MCSN: 289868), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 27 February 1945. When his unit’s advance was held up by heavy fire from a hidden enemy emplacement, Sergeant Romero courageously searched for and discovered the emplacement and, after an unsuccessful attempt by his platoon to destroy the hostile positions with bazookas and machine guns, advanced alone in the face of heavy enemy fire. Delivering accurate fire as he moved forward, he succeeded in destroying the emplacement and all personnel protecting it, thereby permitting the advance of his unit. By his initiative, able leadership and fortitude Sergeant Romero upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.