The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Aaron G. Wilkins (MCSN: 0-10857), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 1 March 1945. With his company pinned down by devastating hostile fire emanating from a series of heavily fortified emplacements artfully concealed and deeply entrenched in rock studded cliffs, Captain Wilkins fearlessly exposed himself to the shattering barrage to maintain contact among his assault platoons and calmly walking through the front line areas, skillfully located strong points and personal directed powerful gun fire against the enemy inspiring his men to hold fast and lending encouragement throughout the bitter engagement. Realizing the necessity for close observation he dauntlessly penetrated Japanese infested territory alone under a concentrated barrage of mortar and small arms fire to single out his designated targets and then returning to the skirmish line, promptly directed his machine gun and mortar section in delivering a furious assault to gain the objective and inflict heavy casualties on Japanese forces with minimum loss to his own. Constantly in the forefront of action, he again led a daring strike against a fiercely resisting enemy later that same day and while indicating targets and directing the assault, was fatally struck down by a sudden hostile shell burst. Inspired by Captain Wilkins’ heroism, indomitable spirit and aggressive determination, his company pushed relentlessly forward to silence the indicated positions and continue the sustained advance to capture the island. His selfless devotion to duty, maintained in the face of tremendous odds reflects the highest credit upon Captain Wilkins and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.