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 Private First Class Ovian W. Von Behren (MCSN: 415558), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman in a Platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 1 March 1945. When his Platoon Leader was severely wounded during a reconnaissance of enemy positions well forward of the front lines, Private First Class Von Behren and another Marine rushed forward through heavy hostile small-arms fire and skillfully administered first aid to the stricken man. Although driven back by Japanese band grenade fire as he and his companion attempted to drag the wounded officer to safety, he returned alone and assisted him to a depression out of the line of fire. Observing an enemy soldier crawling toward the depression not more than twenty yards away, he killed the Japanese soldier and, after the arrival of assistance, directed the evacuation of the Platoon Leader to the Battalion Aid Station. His courageous initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Station.