The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Harlan H. Soule (MCSN: 989356), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 14 March 1945. Determined to prevent the enemy’s capture of one of his company’s machine guns after the position had been destroyed by hostile fire, Private Soule boldly advanced alone during the night into enemy territory in an attempt to remove the machine gun and ammunition. Courageously exposing himself to enemy attack, he continued through the darkness on this perilous mission until struck down, mortally wounded by Japanese fire. By his heroic conduct and tenacious devotion to duty at great risk to his own life, Private Soule upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.