The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Lee E. Dortsch (MCSN: 346977), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as the Personal Runner of the Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 20 to 21 February 1945. When intra-company communications were cut off on the night of 20 February, causing a desperate tactical situation to arise among our forces, Private First Class Dortsch unhesitatingly volunteered to run messages. Moving cautiously through a curtain of enemy fire, he succeeded in delivering numerous vital communications. On the following night, he sustained severe bayonet wounds during hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, but refused to be evacuated until the vital message was delivered. His courage, determination and unfaltering devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.