The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Basil G. Pantages (MCSN: 0-31039), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a rifle platoon leader attached to Company L, Third Marine Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. With his platoon separated from its company in landing and seriously depleted by many casualties sustained under murderous enemy mortar, rocket and artillery barrages, Second Lieutenant Pantages quickly reorganized and led it to the remainder of his company and seeing that the left flank of his landing team had become dangerously exposed, removed his platoon to that flank and effected contact between his and an adjacent landing team. After leading his platoon across open terrain swept by withering enemy machine gun fire and up a difficult ascent to high ground from which enfilade fire was being delivered upon the landing beaches, he skillfully deployed his platoon to engage a numerically superior enemy force and neutralized the hostile position and although mortally wounded during the action, refused evacuation and continued to direct the assault until he succumbed. His fearless initiative and total disregard for his own personal safety reflect the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Pantages and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.