The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Floyd A. Klemme (MCSN: 246967), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader, serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February and 3 March 1945. Ordered to fill a gap in the front lines to consolidate his company’s defensive position on 21 February, Sergeant Klemme gallantly led his men forward and placed them in strategic positions to guard against counterattack by the Japanese during the night. Subsequently detecting enemy activity a short distance to the front of his position, he hurled illumination grenades into the area and, after determining the presence of two hostile Japanese, charged forward and killed them with grenades as friendly and hostile fire swept the field. With one of his men lying helpless in an enemy fire lane during furious action on 3 March, he fearlessly risked his life to attempt a rescue and, while carrying the wounded man to safety, was fatally struck down by a Japanese sniper’s bullet. By his forceful leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Klemme contributed materially to the success of our operations in this vital war area, and his selfless conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.