(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Pharmacist’s Mate Third Class Merced Pena, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against the Japanese on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 18 March 1945. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.