Jack W. Peterman

Corporal, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 45784
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jack W. Peterman (MCSN: 821108), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a machine gun squad leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945.
During the advance of his company through a stubbornly defended draw, Corporal Peterman placed his gun in action on a section of commanding ground to provide covering fire for the advancing troops. Realizing that this position was extremely vulnerable as it immediately drew concentrated fire from hostile fortifications and two of his squad were wounded by enfilading fire from a light machine gun, he ordered his squad to move to a defiladed area on their right while he unaided remained and kept the gun in action for almost an hour.
Only after he had destroyed several hostile machine guns and inflicted a number of casualties on the enemy did he himself evacuate the exposed position. By his courage and determination under fire, Corporal Peterman contributed materially to the success of his company's advance and subsequent consolidation. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.