The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Platoon Sergeant Joseph R. Fisher (MCSN: 0-45857), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Demonstrating foresight, tactical skill and determination in leading his platoon, Platoon Sergeant Fisher contributed materially to his company’s successful action against the enemy. Although sustaining painful machine gun bullet wounds in his right shoulder and chest during an intense enemy artillery and machine gun barrage, he refused evacuation in order to lead his platoon in its assigned mission and, constantly braving the hostile fire, reconnoitered ground and placed his men in strategic positions before collapsing. His inspiring leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.