The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Paul L. Idoux (MCSN: 458493), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-Eight Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, against enemy Japanese forces in the Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands Area, on 24 March 1945. Surprising a mass concentration of Japanese troops in a small draw, Private First Class Idoux boldly hurled four fragmentation grenades into the group then, fearlessly exposing himself to the enemy’s view, stood on the edge of the gully and emptied his automatic weapon into the rapidly dispersing troops, killing six before personally sustaining a mortal wound. By his heroic action, Private First Class Idoux enabled his company to continue its advance to the sea without further casualties and his cool courage and self-sacrificing devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.