The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John V. C. Young (MCSN: 0-11987), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 and 20 February 1945. Landing in an area which was being subjected to a heavy barrage of enemy rifle, mortar and machine-gun fire, Captain Young found that his rifle company had intermingled with another unit which had previously landed. Despite the hostile fire, he moved from platoon to platoon, issuing orders and providing the necessary incentive to enable his men to move forward and clear the extremely dangerous beach sector. Shortly afterwards, despite grievous shrapnel wounds in the arm and back, Captain Young succeeded in assembling his company in the Battalion area and directed the establishment of an effective night defensive position. Although suffering from his wounds, he summoned his Platoon Leaders on the following morning, briefed them in the plan for the continuation of the attack on Mount Suribachi and moved forward with his assault platoons. Wounded very seriously in the chest during this advance, he retained consciousness and transferred his company to his second in command. His skilled leadership, unselfish courage and devotion were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.