The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Earl Franklin Linder (MCSN: 855065), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Machine Gun Crewman, serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 25 February 1945. Cut off from his unit when his company suffered heavy casualties during a desperate attempt to hold its objective and forced to withdraw for reorganization, Private First Class Linder remained steadfast and calm despite the extreme danger and, instantly setting up a defense with the assistance of two companions, protected his position throughout the night and well into the following day. Although situated three hundred yards in advance of his own lines and under incessant hostile attack as well as artillery, tank and machine-gun fire from friendly forces, he cared for a seriously wounded Marine in his sector with superb skill and intrepid courage throughout the perilous period, bringing him back safe when he finally succeeded in reaching his own unit twenty hours later. By his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and aggressive determination in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Linder served as an inspiration to his comrades and his heroic conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.