The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy B. Hanley (MCSN: 0-4961), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion, Division Special Troops, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 16 June 1944. When a vehicle laden with high explosives in the vicinity of the Division Command Post was hit by enemy artillery and mortar fire with resultant fire and explosions, Lieutenant Colonel Hanley, assisted by two others, succeeded in putting the fire under control by repeatedly throwing sand on the blaze despite frequent explosions and continuous enemy artillery fire. By his courage, initiative and fearless devotion to duty in the face of great danger, he averted a serious threat to the command post area and personnel and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.