Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 22 March 1945. Assigned the hazardous mission of destroying fortified hostile positions which were holding up the advance of his company and had caused heavy casualties among the personal, Second Lieutenant Friend courageously led a demolition team at night deep into enemy-held territory and, despite constant hostile machine-gun, rifle and hand grenade fire, directed the placing and setting off of demolition charges to destroy twelve enemy emplacements, after which he led his men safely back to their own lines. By his courageous efforts, Second Lieutenant Friend enabled his company to advance the following day with light resistance and a minimum of casualties, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.