The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Edward J. Tucker (MCSN: 851184), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader serving in a platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. Heedless of his painful wounds and refusing evacuation in order to remain with his men in continuance of an assault against the bitterly defending Japanese, Private First Class Tucker unhesitatingly braved a deadly hail of hostile rifle and machine gun fire to rescue a wounded Marine lying in an exposed position. Although mortally wounded while administering first aid to his stricken comrade, Private First Class Tucker, by his unselfish courage and devotion to duty, had strengthened the morale and fighting spirit of his entire company, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.