The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Raymundo Cervantes (MCSN: 549241), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 1 March 1945. Skillfully using his knowledge of the terrain and heavily fortified enemy positions, Private Cervantes persistently risked his life without orders to direct first-aid parties to his wounded comrades and, determined to further his company’s attack, voluntarily led friendly tanks through heavy and accurate enemy sniper and machine-gun fire, personally guiding them to a position from which they could destroy the targets. By his courageous initiative and self-sacrificing spirit throughout this operation, Private Cervantes materially contributed to the success of the attack and the saving of his comrades’ lives and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.