The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Robert E. Wood (MCSN: 824057), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Company L, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 26 February 1945. Observing a seriously wounded Marine lying between two hostile pill boxes, Private Wood courageously crawled forward through the enemy’s fire lanes to within five yards of the emplacements and maneuvered himself within reach of the casualty. Covered only by a flame thrower and an automatic rifle he rolled the wounded man onto a stretcher and boldly dragged him back through the enemy fire to safety. By his quick and heroic action, Private Wood contributed to the saving of a comrade’s life, and his initiative and unselfish concern for the life of another were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.