The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald L. Kendrick (MCSN: 567204), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Squad of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 6 March 1945. Determined to continue the advance when his squad was pinned down by intense and accurate machine-gun and rifle fire from well-concealed hostile positions, Private First Class Kendrick repeatedly exposed himself in order to attract enemy fire and determine the Japanese positions. Delivering his deadly rifle fire upon the targets thus located, he accounted for ten enemy dead, and then directed the firing of two rocket launcher teams against heavily-fortified Japanese pillboxes. Struck down, fatally wounded as he fought to further his company’s advance, Private First Class Kendrick, by his initiative and devotion to duty, had rendered valiant service and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.