The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Richard Q. Lewis (MCSN: 0-22808), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 22 February 1945. When his platoon and supporting tanks became pinned down during an attack against a strong enemy force entrenched on commanding ground, First Lieutenant Lewis promptly advanced to the exposed area in front of the tanks and, in the face of hostile anti-tank, mortar and artillery fire, successfully directed the continuation of the attack. By his aggressive leadership and skill under fire, First Lieutenant Lewis contributed materially to the complete destruction of the Japanese positions. His courage throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.