The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private John Harry Bradt (MCSN: 922243), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in a platoon of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 February 1945. Crawling forward through deadly enemy fire which was holding up his platoon’s advance upon Mount Suribachi, Private Bradt worked his way to the aid of a platoon of friendly tanks, and, disregarding all personal danger from the barrage of hostile fire, climbed to the top of a small knoll to observe and direct these tanks in firing upon the enemy’s concealed emplacements. Maintaining his extremely vulnerable post in support of his unit’s advance, he continued to give orders until the Japanese positions were completely destroyed. By his prompt and courageous action in the face of extreme peril, Private Bradt contributed materially to the success of his platoon’s mission and to the saving of many of his comrades. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.