The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Cecil C. Wabashaw (MCSN: 0-19618), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, Fifth Pioneer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 15 March 1945. Assuming command of a provisional group formed from men in the pioneer battalion to relieve a rifle company on the line, First Lieutenant Wabashaw skillfully led his company in an assault against the Japanese on the morning of 15 March. Moving among the most forward elements of his command he directed their advance and effectively reorganized groups which sustained heavy casualties and in the face of intense hostile fire, led his men in destroying an enemy pill box and several automatic weapons positions and in annihilating approximately forty Japanese. By his inspiring leadership and cool courage under fire First Lieutenant Wabashaw contributed materially to the success of his unit in reaching its objective. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.