The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lloyd M. Becker, Jr. (MCSN: 466947), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, 7 May 1945. While his company was holding a ridge against a strong hostile counterattack, Corporal Becker coolly and ably directed his squad in the defense of their position and, although seriously wounded by artillery fire before the main enemy assault began, steadfastly refused evacuation and continued to control his group. When the enemy approached his position, he personally destroyed four hostile soldiers and, after the counterattack was repulsed and the platoon was reinforced, consented to be evacuated. By his bravery, initiative and devotion to duty, Corporal Becker upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.