The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lee R. Mings (MCSN: 945218), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Crewman of an Amphibian Tractor in Company C, Eleventh Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. In the face of intense hostile mortar and artillery fire, Private Mings risked his life to man the tractor and drive to the front lines with a cargo of vitally needed ammunition. Subjected to heavy fire a second time, he drove along the line of his own troops and, without assistance, threw off the boxes of ammunition until he had completely unloaded the tractor. Returning to the beach, he picked up the remainder of the crew and additional ammunition and continued hauling cargo. By his bold initiative and courageous devotion to duty, Private Mings contributed materially to the success of our troops in holding their position during the rest of the day and night. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.