The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Samuel P. McNeal (MCSN: 399661), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. With his platoon unable to advance under the enemy’s intense mortar, machine-gun and rifle fire, Platoon Sergeant McNeal personally directed return mortar fire upon the hostile installations from an exposed position. Determined not to risk the lives of numerous men in attacking the position, he employed the weapons of his platoon for covering fire and, advancing alone with hand grenades and a rifle, personally destroyed the Japanese strong point. Although mortally wounded during this action, Platoon Sergeant McNeal, by his valiant leadership, unwavering devotion to duty and indomitable fighting spirit during a critical stage of the battle, had enabled his platoon to seize the vital high ground in their sector with a minimum of casualties and his courageous conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.