The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John M. Turner, Jr. (MCSN: 438813), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rocket Launcher Operator in a platoon of Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 2 March 1945. During an assault against a strongly fortified hostile position, Corporal Turner fearlessly and courageously worked his way from shell hole to shell hole toward the enemy and, despite hostile mortar and machine gun fire succeeded in maneuvering into positions from which he could advantageously use his rocket launcher against the Japanese. After destroying three pill boxes which had been keeping the right flank of his platoon pinned down, he continued his advance forward and was struck down during a valiant attempt to rescue two comrades who had been isolated about one hundred yards in front of the friendly lines. L Corporal Turner’s extremely courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.