The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph T. McFadden (MCSN: 0-8429), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations Officer of Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 25 February 1945. With one of the rifle companies seriously disorganized after its Commanding Officer, four other officers and several key non-commissioned officers had become casualties during an attack, Captain McFadden took charge of the company and began to reorganize it and reconsolidate its lines. Moving through a heavy enemy mortar barrage, he personally visited the scattered and demoralized groups and, in the face of intense hostile fire, skillfully rallied and reorganized them into fighting units. Thereafter, he initiated a determined attack and made contact with the right and left flank units. By his outstanding courage and determination under enemy fire, Captain McFadden inspired his men to continue a vital attack against the enemy’s main line of resistance. His leadership and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.