The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Robert M. Lakin (MCSN: 908009), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Volunteer Litter-Bearer, serving with Headquarters Company, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 6 March 1945. Caught with fellow litter-bearers in the cross-fire of hostile machine guns, Private Lakin observed a wounded Marine lying behind a rock directly in the line of enemy fire and, crawling to the wounded man, carried him on his back through the hostile cross-fire to safety where he then administered first aid. His heroic action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.