The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Kenneth T. Peters (MCSN: 458484), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as acting leader of a rifle squad serving with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iowa Jima, Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. Fiercely aggressive while leading his men in a vigorous strike against a heavily fortified pocked of resistance, Private First Class Peters although critically wounded during a fierce hand to hand encounter with the Japanese, dauntlessly fought on and braving shattering hostile machine gun and mortar barrages laid down by the enemy, accurately hurled his deadly grenades into the fortification to inflict heavy casualties on the Japanese and silence the devastating fire before he succumbed to his wounds. By his forceful leadership, valiant fighting spirit and steadfast determination maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Peters served as an inspiration to his comrades and contributed materially to the success of the bitterly fought Iwo campaign. His selfless devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.