John Wesley Potter, Jr.

Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 44532
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John W. Potter, Jr. (MCSN: 340826), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an assault squad leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands from 19 February to 25 March 1945.
Remaining cool and courageous throughout the operation, Sergeant Potter led and directed attacks on caves and pill boxes and, by his sound judgment, perseverance and determination consistently accomplished his assigned missions despite severe casualties among trained personnel.
On 13, 14 and 15 March he organized the few remaining assault squad men in the Battalion and braving enemy fire which continued to deplete his inadequate force, personally led his men from cave to cave, annihilating the Japanese occupants and making possible the advance of his Battalion. His indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.