The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Lewis M. Hesse (MCSN: 458554), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 21 February 1945. When his platoon was subjected to heavy enemy mortar fire and became disorganized. Gunnery Sergeant Hetman continually exposed himself to heavy sniper fire and, succeeding in reorganizing his unit despite wounds sustained during the action, led his men forward to take the objective. Then, directing the evacuation of the casualties, he remained with the platoon until ordered to the rear for medical treatment. His courageous leadership, fortitude and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.