The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lloyd E. LaFontaine (MCSN: 807166), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Group Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 4 May 1945. When a strongly-defended hostile fortification retarded his platoon’s attack plane, Corporal La Fontaine volunteered to proceed alone fifty yards ahead of the front lines and destroy the obstructing position. After advancing under heavy Japanese machine-gun and mortar fire, be succeeded in firing a demolition charge which completely wiped out the site and killed several of the enemy, thereby making it possible for his platoon to continue the assault with a minimum number of casualties. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.