The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Jack C. Luse, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to a Reconnaissance Platoon of a Headquarters and Service Company of Marines in the FIFTH Marine Division, in action against the Japanese on Iwo Jima, on 8 March 1945. While subjected to intense enemy rifle and grenade fire, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Luse, hearing the cries of two wounded comrades, rose from his protected position and fearlessly pressed forward seventy-five yards in front of the friendly lines across terrain swept by friendly and hostile fire to the wounded men. Realizing the necessity for prompt evacuation, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Luse returned through a withering barrage to enlist the aid of a companion and again courageously risking his life proceeded to his wounded comrades and resumed evacuation of the casualties. His courageous initiative, daring aggressiveness, and great personal valor in voluntarily risking his life for others, despite tremendous odds, contributed to the saving of his comrades who might otherwise have perished. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.