The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Jesse P. Kitchens, Jr. (MCSN: 0-22749), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the 81-mm. Mortar Platoon attached to Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 11 March 1945. Leading his platoon’s attack in an area where the terrain was severely obstructed, First Lieutenant Kitchens boldly advanced to an exposed position in order to observe and direct mortar fire against the unseen enemy. Immediately subjected to a barrage of knee-mortar fire, he remained steadfast, calling fire missions calmly and accurately, and leaving his post only to repair his telephone line which had been cut by an exploding mortar shell. He maintained this position of vital support to his battalion for four hours until he was fatally wounded by an enemy rifleman. First Lieutenant Kitchens’ inspiring courage and unswerving devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.