The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Roy T. Beard (MCSN: 292674), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader in a Rifle Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 11 March 1945. When his platoon became pinned down under intense fire from a vastly superior number of the enemy, firmly entrenched in well-fortified positions, Sergeant Beard maneuvered his men into a more advantageous position on commanding ground and engaged the Japanese in a fierce grenade and fire fight with resultant heavy casualties to the enemy. Maintaining complete control of his squad at all times during the savage engagement, he repeatedly braved the devastating fire while directing his men. Locating four of the enemy entrenched to his front, he moved out under covering fire and fearlessly charged the group, killing all before he himself was mortally wounded. His cool courage and spirit of self-sacrifice served as an inspiration to his comrades, and his aggressive action was largely responsible for the attainment of his company’s objective, thereby reflecting the highest credit upon Sergeant Beard and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.