The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Donald F. Ward (MCSN: 438499), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 3 March 1945. Courageously volunteering to replace the forward observer of the 81-mm mortar platoon who had been wounded in the desperate struggle, Corporal Ward exposed himself unhesitatingly to the furious enemy barrage and advancing to a forward observation post, directed the shattering fire of powerful mortar guns against the Japanese positions, steadfastly maintaining a blasting bombardment in the face of grave peril until struck down, mortally wounded. His cool courage and self-sacrificing devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.