The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Lee N. Minier (MCSN: 0-22760), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader attached to the First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Reinforced, First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 21 July 1944. Charged with the responsibility of securing Hill 40 on the battalion right flank, Second Lieutenant Minier immediately organized his platoon and personally led the men through enemy small arms and mortar fire, accomplishing his task expeditiously and with only light casualties. Upon reorganizing the platoon, he received a request from another unit to neutralize the heavy machine-gun fire emanating from a stone building directly to the front and, realizing the urgency of his mission, unhesitatingly advanced on the enemy, drawing all hostile fire and enabling the other unit to secure its sector. Then, completely disregarding his own safety, he courageously exposed himself to intense, accurate enemy opposition, evacuating his wounded men until he was struck by a burst of fire and instantly killed. Second Lieutenant Minier’s inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious devotion to duty in the face of grave peril contributed in a large measure to the success of this vital operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.