The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Harold E. Ross (MCSN: 342256), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands 1 March 1945. When his platoon was ordered to move into an area that had not been occupied before in order to fill a gap in the friendly lines between his own Battalion and an adjoining Marine division, Gunnery Sergeant Ross voluntarily led a reconnaissance patrol deep into the enemy-infested territory where he investigated a number of hostile positions and gained much valuable information. Despite accurate hostile small-arms and mortar fire, he continued on his mission until he had picked a covered route safe from enemy observation, after which he returned and ably guided his platoon over the selected route without casualties, despite falling darkness and heavy enemy mortar fire in the area. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.