The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert R. Kawell (MCSN: 850304), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Automatic Rifleman, serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Acting quickly when intensive machine-gun fire covering the entire zone of action held up his platoon’s advance, Private First Class Kawell located the attacking pillbox at the edge of the first enemy airfield and, moving forward from his covered position alone and firing furiously in the face of terrific fire, boldly charged the fortification. Fighting valiantly until he collapsed as a result of fatal wounds, Private First Class Kawell had succeeded in diverting the fire, thereby enabling his platoon to continue the assault and ultimately to destroy the strategic Japanese emplacement. By his resolute fortitude and unwavering devotion to duty, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.