The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Francis E. Mitchell (MCSN: 380258), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader, serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against the enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 12 to 15 March 1945. After his platoon leader was wounded, Private First Class Mitchell assumed command of the unit and led his men in a heroic manner, exposing himself numerous times to enemy fire lanes in order to carry casualties to safety and constantly encouraging his exhausted platoon by his own indomitable fighting spirit. Organizing his men on the line, he courageously advanced forward of his platoon and personally directed the fire of his riflemen and machine guns, preparing for the assault which was to follow. Although mortally wounded by hostile small-arms fire during this action, Private First Class Mitchell, by his daring leadership and determination, had inspired his loyal platoon to surge well beyond its objective, thereby contributing greatly to the advance of his infantry battalion and to the virtual annihilation of the Japanese in that sector. His valiant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.