The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Frank A. Kuligowski (MCSN: 332720), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Acting Platoon Leader of Company C, Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 24 March 1945. When his platoon leader was wounded in action within an hour after landing on D-Day, Staff Sergeant Kuligowski immediately assumed command and, reorganizing the platoon under heavy mortar and machine-gun fire, continued to support his landing team with demolitions. Consistently aggressive, he led his platoon in the attack on Mount Suribachi and, forging ahead with iron determination, succeeded in destroying a total of one hundred and thirty caves, one hundred and five pillboxes and six coastal emplacements. His efficiency in immobilizing enemy mine fields and his superb skill in the demolition of hostile positions contributed immeasurably to the success of the landing team to which he was attached during the early critical period of hostilities. Attacking in the vicinity of Hill 362 on D-Day plus 11, he led two squads in support of the company on his left flank. When the advance of the infantry was suddenly held up by concealed enemy weapons, he boldly made a personal reconnaissance in advance of the lines to locate these positions, subsequently ordering and accurately spotting artillery fire, after which he directed his platoon in an assault with demolitions, thereby destroying the Japanese positions completely and allowing the infantry to advance. By his daring tactics, dauntless leadership and indomitable fighting spirit throughout, Staff Sergeant Kuligowski upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.