The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Thomas A. Young (MCSN: 270808), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader, serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 27 February to 6 March 1945. When his platoon leader became a casualty during a furious engagement with the enemy on 27 February, Sergeant Young promptly assumed command and, fearlessly leading his men in repeated aggressive attacks during the sustained advance of our forces, contributed materially to the success of his company in overcoming fierce hostile resistance. Driving forward against an objective vital to the defense of his sector the night of 1 March, he led his platoon through one hundred yards of shattering machine-gun fire and, launching a determined strike, gained his position with a minimum of casualties among his men. With his platoon pinned down during a fierce action on 6 March, he continued his same daring tactics and, penetrating hostile fire lanes alone to locate the source of the deadly barrage, directed supporting weapons in eliminating the stronghold before he was fatally struck down by a sudden shellburst. Sergeant Young’s forceful and inspiring leadership, bold initiative and valiant devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds were essential factors in the success of the bitterly fought Iwo campaign and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.