The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Kenneth Grant McCreary (MCSN: 0-41965), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Rifle Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 1 to 19 March 1945. Undaunted by a fierce barrage of hostile small-arms fire which pinned down his platoon during the assault against a strong pocket of Japanese resistance near Airfield Number Three, Second Lieutenant McCreary unhesitatingly exposed himself to the enemy in order to reconnoiter the hostile positions. Cool and accurate, he directed a devastating tank and flame throwing attack upon these strategic emplacements then, leading his men against the remaining enemy pillboxes, aided in the destruction of fifteen pillboxes and a total of eighty Japanese. Persisting in his valiant efforts until fatally wounded on 19 March, Second Lieutenant McCreary, by his aggressive fighting spirit, skillful tactics and unwavering devotion to duty throughout, had rendered valiant service and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.