The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Henry James Pawkett, Jr. (MCSN: 524007), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a member of Company A, Fourth Engineer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division during action on enemy Japanese held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. When an enemy shell hit his landing team’s ammunition dump as he was probing for mines obstructing the safe access of amphibious tractors to the dump, Corporal Pawkett immediately discontinued his work and not waiting for the barrage to lift voluntarily aided others in scattering the ammunition boxes to prevent their detonation by fire, continuing his heroic efforts until he fell mortally wounded by another direct hit. His heroism, initiative and self-sacrificing devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.