The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Technical Sergeant Joseph S. Stefoncik (MCSN: 214066), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. After a heavy enemy artillery barrage had set fire to a division ammunition and food dump and a U.S. Army radar station situated in the vicinity of the Regimental Command Post, Master Technical Sergeant Stefoncik braved hostile mortar and artillery fire as well as flying fragments of burning and exploding ammunition which were continuously showering the area and assisted in controlling and extinguishing the fire, thereby preventing the destruction of other large stores of nearby critical materials. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.