The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Francis X. McCrudden (MCSN: 0-37607), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader, attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. With the advance of his company disrupted by intense enemy machine-gun fire, Second Lieutenant McCrudden ordered his platoon to remain in a covered position while he went forward alone, braving almost certain death, in an attempt to locate the machine gun. Standing in full view of the enemy to improve his observation of the hostile gunners, he continued his heroic efforts until he fell, mortally wounded by Japanese sniper fire. His dauntless courage, fearless leadership and unwavering devotion to duty were inspiring to those with whom he served and reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant McCrudden and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.