The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Leon H. Height, Jr. (MCSN: 0-30338), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands from 5 to 7 May 1945. During an assault on a tenaciously defended enemy ridge, First Lieutenant Eight bravely defied heavy fire to carry several of hi sounded men from their dangerously exposed positions to a place of comparative safety. Assuming charge of the assault platoons two days later, after the company commander had been wounded, he rapidly reorganized the disrupted company in the face of shattering mortar and intense small arms fire and, by his calm, inspiring leadership during a critical phase of the operations, succeeded in executing an orderly withdrawal and maintaining his unit as a cohesive fighting force. His prompt initiative and fearless devotion to duty were in a large measure responsible for the continued advance of his company and reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Height and the Unites States Naval Service.