The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Owen D. Nilsen (MCSN: 473714), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Member of an Advanced Reconnaissance Team serving with the FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces of the coast of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 17 February 1945.. Assigned the hazardous mission of obtaining information concerning landing beaches and shore installations, Corporal Nilsen unhesitatingly set about the task in the face of withering barrages of hostile artillery and automatic weapons fire and, boldly carrying out the reconnaissance despite grave hazards, succeeded in gaining valuable data and information of the landing beaches which aided materially in saving the lives of other Marines during the assault landing. By his determined perseverance, cool courage and outstanding ability, Corporal Nilsen contributed immeasurably to the success of his team in the fulfillment of an important mission and his unswerving devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.