The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Carroll L. Caples (MCSN: 333276), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifleman serving with Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 24 February to 3 March 1945. Undaunted by the failure of several Marine comrades to rescue a wounded man lying approximately fifty yards forward of friendly lines, Private First Class Caples crawled across the exposed terrain and, staunchly braving a merciless concentration of enemy machine-gun and sniper fire, removed the stricken man to a position of safety. Cool and unhesitating when his squad leader subsequently fell in action, he instantly took command and led his squad with unfaltering skill and aggressiveness until fatally wounded on 3 March. By his ready initiative, dauntless courage and unfailing devotion to duty, Private First Class Caples rendered valiant service and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.