The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Keller Emrick Rockey (MCSN: 0-838), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the FIFTH Marine Division, prior to and during the seizure of enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima in the Volcano Group, from 19 February 1945 to 26 March 1945. Inculcating in the officers and men of his regiments his own indomitable spirit of determination; Major General Rockey skillfully welded the new and untried division into a formidable fighting command in preparation for the Iwo Jima operation. A bold tactician, he landed his forces at the base of Mount Suribachi on the southeast shore of the island under a deadly mortar bombardment directed on the beach from deeply entrenched enemy positions which were strategically placed to afford complete coverage of the entire landing area. Deploying his units according to plan, he quickly cut the island in two and laid siege to the defending garrison on the mountain. Directing the assault with superb generalship, he pushed the relentless advance inch by inch through the network of defenses circling Suribachi’s broad base to make tortuous but steady progress up the open, gun -studded slopes of the volcanic stronghold, blasting and sealing elaborately fortified caves cut into the rock and fighting off repeated counterattacks with demolitions, flame throwers, grenades and small-arms fire as he moved his forces inexorably forward and captured the mountain. Continuing his attack to the north, he waged furious battle against ever-increasing resistance despite heavy Marine casualties until he had succeeded in annihilating the last pocket of Japanese resistance on 25 March. Constantly rallying his tired, depleted forces, Major General Rockey, by his undaunted valor, tenacious perseverance and staunch leadership in the face of overwhelming odds, inspired his stout-hearted Marines to heroic effort during critical phases of the bitter campaign. His resolute fortitude and decisive conduct throughout reflect the highest credit upon Major General Rockey, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.