The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Sherman Eugene Oyler (MCSN: 288875), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Mortar Platoon Leader with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 4 March 1945. Determined to neutralize the terrific concentration of enemy machine-gun fire which was pouring down from the deeply entrenched emplacements of Japanese-held ridges and inflicting severe casualties upon his company, Platoon Sergeant Oyler voluntarily advanced forward of the front lines to an exposed position. Instantly wounded, he courageously remained at this hazardous post to direct accurate mortar fire upon the hostile trenches until they were silenced. Although he succumbed to his wounds, Platoon Sergeant Oyler, by his aggressive leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, had contributed materially to his company’s advance, and his heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.