The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Hillery E. Windham (MCSN: 436199), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an ammunition carrier in an anti-tank unit of Weapons Company, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. When his gun commander became a casualty upon reaching the beach, Private First Class Windham unhesitatingly assumed command and directed the movement of his 37 mm gun through the volcanic sands of the beach to a position two hundred yards inland, despite heavy hostile artillery, mortar and machine gun fire which was directed against his weapon and causing casualties among his men. With only half of his crew available, he moved back and forth to designate targets and supply the gun with ammunition, bringing extremely accurate fire t bear upon the slopes and base of Mount Suribachi. By his cool and efficient action, he greatly aided the advance of the assaulting infantry with covering fire at a time when supporting weapons were critically needed to establish the beachhead. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.