The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Hollis U. Mustain (MCSN: 0-5390), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 21 February 1945. Boldly defying the murderous high velocity artillery fire laid down by a ruthless enemy while approaching the beach in his landing craft the early morning of D-Day, Lieutenant Colonel Mustain landed on the heavily mined shores on schedule and pushed his relentless advance forward against shattering mortar, rocket, rifle and machine-gun fire. Repeatedly disregarding his own personal safety, he consistently reconnoitered the extreme forward areas in his zone of action to evaluate the difficult terrain and appraise the enemy situation and despite heavy Marine casualties and the loss of his executive officer, constantly exerted himself to the limit of his endurance, fighting furiously in a sustained drive to seize and hold the ground adjacent to the airfield during the first day of battle. Leaving his position in the observation post on 21 February, he braved the enemy’s concentrated fire to proceed to the front line area and, while encouraging his depleted battalion to heroic efforts and directing its attack against the strategic, heavily defended sector in the Amphitheater, was fatally struck down by the enemy. A brilliant and inspiring leader, Lieutenant Colonel Mustain, by his tenacious perseverance, outstanding fortitude and great personal valor maintained in the face of tremendous odds, contributed materially to the success of the Iwo Jima Campaign and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his intrepid command and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.