The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Robert Elliott Hail (MCSN: 989668), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Demolitions Man of an Assault Platoon of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 28 February to 7 March 1945. Assigned to assault an enemy held cave located forward of the front lines in a key position, Private Hail and another Marine boldly advanced under hostile rifle and machine gun fire over terrain which precluded the use of close supporting friendly fire and hurled two charges into the hostile position, both of which were rendered ineffective by the caved Japanese. After preparing a third charge with a shorter fuse, Private Hail returned to the position quickly threw the charge into the cave but was immediately killed by the explosion when the enemy hurled it back before he could withdraw from range. His courageous initiative, perseverance and heroic devotion to duty throughout this and previous hazardous missions reflect the highest Credit upon Private Hail and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.