The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Roland H. Makowski (MCSN: 0-16207), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 25 February 1945. Demonstrating outstanding ability, First Lieutenant Makowski led an attack on a heavily fortified position near Minami Village and, while personally issuing an order to his Platoon Leader, braved an intense enemy mortar barrage which pinned him down. Although his Platoon Leader was wounded during this barrage, he advanced again in the face of heavy machine-gun fire from his direct front and, reorganizing the platoon, continued the attack, thereby enabling his company to capture a strong hostile position. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.