The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Eugene M. Syphers (MCSN: 293305), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 28 February 1945. When his platoon was engaged in battle against strong hostile forces deeply entrenched in three bunkers, Platoon Sergeant Syphers courageously directed the destruction of the first and immediately laid plans for the liquidation of the other two of these emplacements which constituted the main heavy enemy defenses of Motoyama Airfield Number Two. Subsequently placing his men where they could provide the best fire cover and, directing a demolition man around the left flank, he personally attacked the second bunker by crawling forward to throw smoke and fragmentation grenades into the embrasures and, after the explosion, bravely charged in with assault fire. Attacking the third pillbox in a similar manner, he destroyed all remaining opposition. His indomitable fighting spirit and aggressive devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Platoon Sergeant Syphers and the United States Naval Service.