The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Warren T. Somerville (MCSN: 443388), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of an Advanced Reconnaissance Team of Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 17 February 1945. Assigned with his team to carry out a reconnaissance of the landing beaches at Iwo Jima, Corporal Somerville braved heavy artillery and automatic weapons fire from shore-based batteries which scored hits on both swimmers and boat crews participating in the mission. Despite the extreme danger involved, he completed his mission and gained valuable information which aided materially in saving the lives of many Marines. By his courage, initiative and determination, Corporal Somerville upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.