The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Frank L. Shelton (MCSN: 315259), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Company F, Second Battalion Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 march 1945. When intense fire caused numerous casualties, including his Platoon Leader, Corporal Shelton assumed command of the remaining platoon members and, after effecting necessary reorganization, boldly led them in an attack on the objective. During the course of their advance, he personally destroyed an enemy mortar and, by his skilled leadership, contributed materially to the successful completion of his unit’s mission. His outstanding courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.