The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class George S. Durrance (MCSN: 487901), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in a platoon of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 7 March 1945. Volunteering to reconnoiter well-hidden hostile positions, Private First Class Durrance moved out with another Marine and, discovering a cave from which four Japanese soldiers were holding up the advance of his platoon, instantly attacked and annihilated three of the enemy. Observing the fourth soldier in the act of throwing a hand grenade in the direction of his fellow comrade, Private First Class Durrance unhesitatingly risked his life to distract the enemy’s attention. Although killed instantly, Private First Class Durrance had saved the life of his comrade and enabled him to destroy the remaining Japanese soldier. His outstanding initiative, self-sacrificing spirit and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Durrance and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.