The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Gus A. Pappas (MCSN: 350000), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a squad leader serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 26 February 1945. Fiercely aggressive while leading his men in a vigorous strike against a heavily fortified stronghold, Corporal Pappas courageously advanced to within fifteen yards of the emplacement and moving from one vantage point to another under intense rifle, grenade and mortar fire, hurled his grenades and fired his rifle with consistent skill and daring personally destroying three emplacements and enabling his men to resist the bitter onslaught throughout three hours of vicious fighting. Fatally wounded by bursting shrapnel during the action, Corporal Pappas, by his forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and heroic conduct maintained in the face of tremendous odds, served as an inspiration to his comrades, and contributed materially to the success of his squad in the silencing of numerous gun emplacements with heavy losses in Japanese dead. His steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Corporal Gus A. Pappas gallantly gave his life for his country.