The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Harry A. Doss, Jr. (MCSN: 532133), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Fire Group Leader, serving with Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 27 February 1945. Assigned the mission of assaulting a group of caves and pillboxes on commanding ground well defended by the enemy, Private First Class Doss led his men twenty yards to the front through fierce hostile grenade and machine-gun fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled to a position within five yards of the machine-gun emplacement and threw a demolition charge into the entrance, destroying the weapon and annihilating the crew. While returning to his former position, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire from another emplacement. By his fearless leadership, daring initiative and dauntless courage, he contributed to his company’s advance against the Japanese and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.