The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant J. D. Dawson (MCSN: 316184), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Unhesitatingly risking his life to attempt the rescue of a fellow Marine struck down by a bursting hostile shell and lying helpless in a fire-swept foxhole during fierce hostilities on D-Day, Sergeant Dawson boldly advanced to the dugout, carefully placed the wounded man on his shoulders and succeeded in carrying him to safety. Again braving the enemy’s withering shellfire during a bitter engagement later that same day, he courageously pressed forward in an aggressive assault against a hostile pillbox but was mortally wounded while carrying out his perilous mission. His daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and valiant fighting spirit maintained in the face of tremendous odds served as an inspiration to his comrades and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Sergeant Dawson and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.