The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Calvin G. Magoon (MCSN: 409234), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in a platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 11 March 1945. With his platoon pinned down and suffering heavy casualties under a devastating barrage of enemy sniper and machine-gun fire emanating from a cave to his left front during an attack by his company north from Hill 382, Private First Class Magoon promptly solicited the aid of two members of his combat group and, on his own initiative, left his position of comparative safety and moved forward in a daring attempt to wipe out the emplacement. Subjected to intense sniper fire from the cave as he gained a favorable attack position, he deliberately exposed himself to draw the fire to himself and enable his companions to close in and destroy the strong point and its occupants with demolition charges. Fatally struck down during the furious action, Private First Class Magoon, by his daring initiative, inspiring leadership and selfless conduct in the face of tremendous odds, had contributed to the successful completion of his company’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.