The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John A. Blue (MCSN: 899395), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Automatic Rifleman, serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 March 1945. When his platoon fell into an enemy ambush and the officer in charge ordered the men to withdraw, Private First Class Blue remained under intense hostile barrages to fire upon the enemy with his automatic weapon, killing ten of the Japanese and enabling his platoon to complete its withdrawal and reorganization. Fighting relentlessly until his comrades reached a place of comparative safety, he was attempting to rejoin his platoon when he fell, mortally wounded by a bursting hand grenade. By his daring initiative, dauntless courage and unwavering devotion to duty, he seriously weakened the enemy’s defense and inspired his platoon to launch a vigorous attack which destroyed the menacing Japanese position. His heroic conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Blue and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.