The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Walter R. Mason (MCSN: 500393), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Fire Group Leader, serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 4 March 1945. Quickly estimating the tactical situation when his company, under heavy mortar and machine-gun fire, was forced to withdraw and reorganize during a fierce engagement, Corporal Mason, together with another Marine, voluntarily returned through a fireswept area to bring up tanks for a renewed attack. After successfully deploying the armored vehicles, he first ordered his comrade to safety and then directed his tank in a determined assault on a strongly fortified hostile emplacement, but fell under the merciless fire of a Japanese sniper before completing his heroic mission. His fearless initiative, cool courage and zealous devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Mason and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.