The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Leonard R. Ellis (MCSN: 465223), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 8 March 1945. When the other members of his squad became casualties during a heavy enemy counterattack, Corporal Ellis personally defended the entire squad sector for the duration of the night. Despite heavy mortar and machine-gun fire and hand grenades thrown at his position, he remained in this isolated situation and covered the area with rifle fire and hand grenades, thereby greatly aiding his platoon in repulsing the counterattack. His cool courage, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were In keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.