The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Henry F. Rutkowski (MCSN: 463072), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Member of an Engineer Squad temporarily serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Serving as a mine-removal specialist, Corporal Rutkowski rendered gallant service in probing for mines in the vicinity of his landing team’s ammunition dump, thereby contributing materially to the safe unloading of supplies from amphibian tractors. When an enemy shell hit the dump, Corporal Rutkowski, discontinuing his own work, immediately rushed to the aid of those who were scattering the remaining unexploded ammunition boxes and, while performing this hazardous task, was instantly killed by a second enemy shell hit on the dump. His cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave peril reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Rutkowski and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.