The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Earl J. Rowse (MCSN: 0-7175), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the Second 155-mm. Howitzer Battalion, First Provisional Field Artillery Group, Fifth Marine Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, 21 February 1945. Landing with reconnaissance elements of his battalion early in the morning, Major Rowse reconnoitered terrain still occupied by hostile snipers and, by nightfall, he had established his fire direction center and initial communications as support for our forces when the fire of medium artillery was desperately needed. By his professional skill and efficient operations of his battalion, he rendered prompt and effective support of our troops, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Major Rowse is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)