The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Wilbur F. Simlik (MCSN: 0-31092), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 February to 17 March 1945. Landing as a replacement officer, First Lieutenant Simlik assumed command of the rifle platoon during a critical phase of the assault on an assigned objective and skillfully maneuvered his platoon for the successful completion of the attack under the most trying conditions of combat. When his Commanding Officer was wounded and evacuated on 9 March, he immediately assumed command of the unit and, during an attack south from Minami Village, led his company through devastating hostile fire to destroy a series of cave positions from which the enemy had harassed the attacking elements. His outstanding leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.