The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Allan R. Walsh (MCSN: 807705), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Group Leader in a platoon of Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 22 February 1945. When the enemy’s devastating machine gun and mortar fire halted his company’s advance toward Airfield Number Two and prevented contact with the left flank unit, Corporal Walsh unhesitatingly volunteered to cross seventy-five yards of open fire swept terrain in a daring attempt to determine the position of the other group. With his advance impeded by numerous fire trenches and mortars he steadily made his way forward with another volunteer until a hostile machine gun suddenly opened fire and forced both men to seek cover in one of the trenches. Remaining in the danger area alone while his companion returned with orders for the 60-mm mortars, he slowly crawled to a point from which he could ascertain the exact location of the weapon and when the mortars proved ineffective, raised himself to shout corrective orders to the men. L Fatally struck down by a sudden shell burst while directing the furious action, Corporal Walsh, by his courageous initiative, dauntless perseverance and selfless efforts in the face of grave danger, had contributed to the destruction of a Japanese strong point and to our sustained advance to capture the airstrip. His valiant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.