Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    10th Amphibious Tractor Battalion

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 45782

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Lyman E. Keown (MCSN: 0-18887), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company B, Tenth Amphibious Tractor Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on the night of 19 February 1945. Volunteering to deliver urgently needed supplies to an assault regiment, First Lieutenant Keown led his amphibian tractor through an enemy mine field which had not been cleared or marked and, upon reaching his objective, was subjected to a concentrated hostile artillery attack which either killed or wounded five of his men and scattered the unloading detail. Braving Japanese fire, he coolly and efficiently directed and assisted in the unloading of supplies, refusing to take cover until his mission was completed. Still under hostile fire, he led his men back through the same mine field to the beach where the wounded were immediately evacuated to a hospital ship. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.