The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Albert Von K. Gary (MCSN: 0-6925), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 March 1945. Assuming command of the Battalion after the evacuation of the Battalion Commander, Major Gary faced the task of seizing highly camouflaged and fanatically defended enemy positions with a fatigued Battalion reduced to less than half of its full strength. Courageously moving among the front line troops in the face of intense and accurate hostile fire, he inspired both officers and men to a continuation of the offensive action and, by his aggressive leadership, initiative and determination, contributed materially to the Battalion’s advance on this date and to the ultimate success of the operation. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.