The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Joseph C. Stephenson (MCSN: 333551), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader in Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 25 February to 1 March 1945. Courageously leading his men forward in support of assault units advancing across Motoyama Airfield Number Two on 25 February, Sergeant Stephenson had succeeded in establishing positions beyond the airstrip when our troops met a shattering barrage of machine-gun and mortar fire which forced them to withdraw. In the resulting confusion, he remained steadfast and calm and, skillfully organizing his own section as well as others in the vicinity, conducted them to the immediate rear and established a new line of defense. Fearlessly risking his life in his grave concern for others, he repeatedly led stretcher bearers back through the danger area to locate and evacuate men who had been struck down during the furious action. After our lines were again secured, he voluntarily penetrated the enemy-infested area alone to destroy guns left in two disabled friendly tanks, thereby preventing the infiltrating Japanese from training the guns on our troops. With a by-passed hostile pillbox spraying the area with small-arms fire and grenades from a strong point behind our lines as he was attempting to establish contact with the company on his right flank during a fierce engagement on 1 March, Sergeant Stephenson promptly placed his machine guns in position and, assuming command of a rifle squad and two flame throwers, boldly led a coordinated attack to neutralize the emplacement before he was struck down by a sudden shellburst. By his daring initiative, superb leadership and valiant fighting spirit, maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Sergeant Stephenson contributed to the saving of many lives and to the success of the bitterly fought Iwo campaign. His constant devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.