The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Fraser P. Donlan (MCSN: 0-12997), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 21 March 1945. On the morning of 24 February, Captain Donlan was wounded but refused evacuation and, when his company was subjected to a heavy mortar barrage during an advance later on the same day, immediately assumed command in the absence of the Commanding Officer and quickly reorganized the company. Returning to the vacated area which was still under sporadic fire, he directed the evacuation of the casualties. Assuming command on 2 March, Captain Donlan was again severely wounded and, despite his own injuries which resulted in the loss of his left leg, directed that the other casualties be treated first. By his exemplary leadership and solicitude of his men, he spurred them to greater efforts even after his evacuation, and his unselfish devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.