The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lewis R. Watson (MCSN: 947096), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in a Rifle Platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. When intense hostile rifle fire from a supporting position prevented one of our flame thrower and demolition groups from destroying a strongly held enemy bunker, Private Watson voluntarily launched a frontal attack against the position and, although wounded in the encounter, diverted the fire from his comrades, thereby enabling them to close in and destroy the bunker and all of its defenders. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.