The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Dwight A. Young (MCSN: 0-44122), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Machine Gun Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Observing that a rifle platoon in the company had become disorganized due to casualties, Second Lieutenant Young assumed command of the unit in the face of intense fire and, after reorganizing it, made a reconnaissance under heavy fire, thereby finding a route of approach into the enemy position. Attacking with his platoon, he neutralized the bunkers with explosives and, annihilating at least fifteen of the Japanese in the foxholes, continued until he had secured the ridge to the rear of the hostile position. After setting up a defense, he went forward one hundred yards with a runner to determine which were enemy-held positions, thus aiding his company in the successful advance the following day. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.