The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Louis Wilbur Trafton (MCSN: 484144), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Platoon Sergeant in a Rifle Platoon serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, Fourth Marines Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 28 February 1945. Volunteering to go in search of two of his group who had become separated from the platoon, Sergeant Trafton unhesitatingly proceeded into enemy territory and finding the two members of his platoon and another Marine wounded, returned to his own line for aid. Prevented b enemy machine gun fire from advancing with stretcher bearers he daringly maneuvered six of his men forward and in the face of withering hostile small arms and mortar fire, succeeded in placing an automatic rifle team in position to neutralize the enemy’s fire, thus directing the removal of the wounded men to safety. By his inspiring leadership and great personal valor in the face of grave peril, Sergeant Trafton upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.