The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Paul D. LaFond (MCSN: 0-41576), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a platoon leader of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 13 to 15 June 1945. When the other platoon leaders of his company became casualties during the first hour of a night attack on a strongly-held enemy ridge, Second Lieutenant LaFond immediately assumed command of these platoons in addition to his own and, reorganizing the company in the face of fanatical Japanese resistance, continued the assault and seized the objective. During the next forty hours, he stationed himself on the most fiercely contested points of the line and, by his splendid example of leadership, inspired his men to repel every attempted counterattack. During the afternoon of 14 June, he went forward in the face of heavy hostile rifle and machine-gun fire to aid one of his men who had been wounded while forward of the lines, and succeeded in carrying the stricken man to a place of relative safety. By his outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant LaFond contributed materially to the success of his company’s mission, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.