The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Lee Curtis Eck (MCSN: 966989), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifleman, serving with a platoon of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 16 May 1945. With his platoon pinned down and suffering heavy casualties under a shattering barrage laid down by the enemy while maintaining a defensive position on the reverse slope of a strategic hill, Private Eck unhesitatingly volunteered to dig a trench across the topographical crest to the forward slope where he could observe the Japanese. Fiercely aggressive, he worked for more than an hour under the blistering shellfire, digging in the hard soil with his entrenching tool until he had cut a shallow pass leading to the area. Concerned only for the safety if his comrades, he dauntlessly remained in the exposed fire-swept outpost alone, constantly keeping his platoon informed as to the enemy movements and protecting it from surprise counter-attacks until he was mortally wounded by a bursting shell more than two hours later. By his daring initiative, great personal valor and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds, Private Eck contributed to the saving of many lives and to the success of the bitterly fought Okinawa Campaign. His heroic conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.