The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Johnnie J. Turnage (MCSN: 984200), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Automatic Rifleman while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 11 March 1945. Voluntarily advancing in the face of withering machine gun and sniper fire from a large hostile bunker, Private Turnage accurately directed a volley of hand grenades upon this strategic emplacement until he forced the occupants to come out into the open. Although mortally wounded he rushed forward firing his weapon and succeeded in destroying six of the enemy before succumbing to his own wounds. Private Turnage’s destruction of this vital target enabled his squad to advance and carry out its attack and his valiant fighting spirit and unselfish performance of duty throughout consistently upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.