The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lewis R. Floyd, Jr. (MCSN: 983664), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 11 March 1945. On watch during the night when approximately twenty hostile infantrymen attacked the platoon headquarters from the rear, Private Floyd unhesitatingly arouse from his covered position, opened fire on the enemy, and, during the grenade fight which followed, advanced steadily toward them while firing continuously, killing many of the Japanese as he worked his way toward his wounded Platoon Leader’s position which had been overrun by the enemy. Encountering two more of the enemy, he quickly annihilated them and then removed the wounded Platoon Guide to safety. His outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.