The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Sam J. Holman, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the 75-mm Half-Track Platoon, Weapons Company, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Holman observed a group of five wounded Marines lying seventy-five feet ahead of the front lines under devastating mortar, artillery and machine gun fire. Voluntarily risking his life, although fully aware of his own peril, he ran to the aid of the wounded men, administered plasma and bandaged their wounds. Completely disregarding the grave danger to his personal safety, he had completed his first aid when he himself was painfully wounded and ordered to be evacuated. His great personal valor, perfect coolness under fire, and uncompromising devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.