The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Douglas A. Vibert, Jr. (MCSN: 399996), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Leader of a Mortar Section of Headquarters Company, Second Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Quick to act when a dangerous gap developed between two Marine battalions attacking the intricate network of hostile positions surrounding the base of Mt. Suribachi, Platoon Sergeant Vibert unhesitatingly led his section forward and, moving under cover of darkness in the face of repeated infiltration attempts by the enemy, succeeded in joining the flanks of the two friendly units despite heavy casualties to his small force. Coolly vigilant throughout the night, he fearlessly exposed himself to vicious grenade and small-arms fire as he moved constantly up and down his line, maintaining close contact with his men and encouraging them to hold throughout the remaining night hours. When three of his men were killed and another three wounded by Japanese grenades, he skillfully directed the evacuation of the casualties and then personally took over their position in an effort to prevent a hostile break-through at that point. Although seriously wounded while directing his troop’s fire against the final Japanese attack, Platoon Sergeant Vibert, by his dauntless initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and sound combat tactics, had inspired his group to heroic effort throughout the fierce action which resulted in the annihilation of sixty of the enemy, thereby contributing to the fulfillment of an extremely hazardous mission. His valiant leadership in the face of overwhelming odds upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.