The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Corporal Virgil J. Kier, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroic achievement while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 22 September 1944. Continuously leading his team toward the well-fortified enemy, Corporal Kier often exposed himself to vicious hostile fire in order to direct his attack. When his squad leader became a casualty on 17 September, he unhesitatingly assumed command, reorganized the unit and led it for three days in successful assaults against Japanese forces entrenched deep in coral caves and concrete pillboxes. After several hours of fierce fighting on the night of 19 – 20 September, when his platoon suffered severe casualties and was ordered to withdraw to a new position, upon finding himself senior man in the platoon he took command, directed the withdrawal and skillfully deployed his men in the designated area. Corporal Kier’s exceptional leadership, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Corporal Kier is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)