The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Paul E. Svoboda (MCSN: 0-11647), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Maintenance Officer of the Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. In addition to his regular duties, Captain Svoboda volunteered to act as a Liaison Officer with a Marine infantry regiment. When the corps attack was temporarily stopped by an extremely strong hostile defensive position, the main enemy line of resistance, Captain Svoboda offered his services to the infantry Regiment spearheading the assault when all tanks in the corps were ordered to attack in support of this Regiment. After the initial tank attack had failed due to extremely heavy Japanese fire and land mines, he made a reconnaissance to the front line positions, located the only feasible route for the tanks to enter the hostile area and coordinated the removal of mines along this route. Undaunted by the extremely heavy hostile fire attracted by the approach of large numbers of tanks, he led on foot the leading tanks into the attack position and, by his voluntary and skillful actions, was instrumental in enabling them to break through the middle of an airfield which was the initial objective. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.