The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Lonnie D. Foy (MCSN: 275515), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Mortar Observer of Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Chonito Cliff Area, Guam, Mariana Islands, 23 July 1944. Acting on his own initiative, Sergeant Foy advanced one hundred yards beyond his own lines in an effort to destroy a Japanese mortar battery that was inflicting casualties throughout his entire company during its assault of Chonito Cliff. During his advance in the face of heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, Sergeant Foy laid wire connecting him with the 60-mm. mortar section and, reaching an observation point, directed mortar fire that destroyed the enemy mortar battery, killing seven of the Japanese. By his courageous initiative, he enabled his company to continue its assault and occupy the area, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


