The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Paul G. Killingsworth (MCSN: 954973), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in a platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 12 March 1945. Fearlessly risking his life when he saw his platoon leader fall under withering Japanese machine-gun and rifle fire, Private Killingsworth unhesitatingly pressed forward in the face of the hostile barrage, threw a smoke grenade to cover his position and, picking up the wounded man, carried him within a few yards of his own lines. Although mortally wounded by an enemy sniper when the smoke grenade burned out, Private Killingsworth, by his cool presence of mind and unflinching courage, had saved the life of one who otherwise might have perished, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.