The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert J. Schimmer, Jr. (MCSN: 455599), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Gunner of Company B, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. When his tank was rendered inoperative by enemy antitank demolition fire during an attack against strongly-emplaced hostile positions, Corporal Schimmer courageously remained in the vehicle with his Platoon Leader and, while the wounded crewmen were being evacuated, continued to fire on the Japanese. Despite the loss of radio contact and lack of close-in infantry support, he maintained effective fire until all ammunition was expended and, during a twenty minute period, destroyed three emplaced enemy tanks, three ammunition trucks, several machine gun positions and numerous Japanese personnel, finally abandoning the tank only five minutes before it was completely destroyed by hostile demolition charges. His outstanding courage and perseverance in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.