*Silver Star Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Dan I. Montierth (MCSN: 361004), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Fifth Tank Battalion, Division Service Troops, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 2 March 1945. In charge of a tank liaison section, Sergeant Montierth conceived and placed into immediate execution a daring mission designed to locate and open a route of approach for tanks penetrating Japanese territory. Rapidly pushing ahead of our lines, he fearlessly advanced with his team through a merciless barrage of enemy small-arms fire in a determined attempt to break through the furious resistance and drove steadily forward to carry out his thorough reconnaissance of the contested area, surprising and destroying a Japanese light machine-gun position and a formidable mortar emplacement before he fell under a savage burst of hostile fire. An indomitable fighter, Sergeant Montierth, by his bold tactics and valiant disregard of all personal danger in the execution of his well-laid plan, enabled his team to obtain vital information subsequently utilized in a strong tank advance against heavily fortified enemy positions which effectively disorganized Japanese resistance in the sector and furthered substantial infantry gains. His resourceful initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
General Orders: Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 31858 (July 5, 1945)
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