The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John Mooney Kirby (MCSN: 268174), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in command of a Flame Thrower Tank of Company C, Fifth Tank Battalion, Division Service Troops, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. Cool and courageous while approaching to destroy an enemy installation, Sergeant Kirby acted instantly when his tank threw a track and, dismounting from the disabled vehicle, directed his crew in a hurried attempt to effect repairs despite the sudden concentration of blasting fire pouring forth from a Japanese emplacement beyond range of the tank’s flame gun. Determined to reduce the heavy volume of hostile fire, he advanced toward the enemy position by foot carrying a sub-machine gun and succeeded in delivering several bursts of fire into the entrance and ports of the installation before he fell under the impact of an enemy grenade. By his unfaltering leadership, tenacious perseverance and self-sacrificing devotion to duty he aided in reducing the hostile fire and enabled the other members of the tank crew to place their vehicle back in action. His conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon Sergeant Kirby and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.