The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Wallace Wesley Marsh (MCSN: 308514), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifleman while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 28 February 1945. During an assault upon high ground from which the enemy was inflicting heavy casualties and impeding the advance of his company, Private First Class Marsh detected a strategic Japanese machine-gun position some distance directly to the front and, disregarding a serious shrapnel wound in his right arm, advanced through intensive enemy mortar, machine-gun and small-arms fire to launch a single-handed assault on the stronghold. Although his weapon jammed, he pressed on to his target, throwing hand grenades as he advanced until fatally wounded. Hiss aggressive initiative, determined fighting spirit and outstanding devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Marsh and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.