The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Richard C. DiGiacomo (MCSN: 401368), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Rifle Squad in Company E, Second Battalion, twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, 26 February 1945. When the rifle platoon of which his squad was a part was pinned down by terrific machine-gun and rifle fire, Corporal DiGiacomo dauntlessly exposed himself to the slashing fury of hostile counterfire to reorganize and rally his men and lead them forward to their objective. With his zealous fighting spirit undiminished despite the heavy casualties suffered under the un-abating fury of the enemy’s barrage, he directed covering fire for the advance of the rest of the platoon, thus closing a gap between his company and the rifle company on the left and assuring a more secure battalion front. By his dauntless spirit and great personal valor Corporal DiGiacomo contributed materially to the success of the operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.