The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Leo J. Gottsponer (MCSN: 0-17957), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 4 June 1945. Directing the attack of his company over very difficult terrain against fanatically defended enemy fortified positions, First Lieutenant Gottsponer courageously led his men against Japanese cave emplacements exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, to initiate a relentless attack. Although wounded in the leg by hostile mortar fire, he refused to be evacuated for treatment and continued to coordinate the attack of his platoons during the fierce action. By his aggressive leadership and untiring devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Gottsponer contributed materially to the success of his company in gaining its objective, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.