The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Lawrence R. Hoffman (MCSN: 865197), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Forward Observer Team of Company I, Third Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 3 March 1945. When the officer in charge of his group was wounded by hostile fire and fell into a cave occupied by the enemy, Private Hoffman and another Marine bravely entered the cave to effect the rescue of the officer and, in the face of constant enemy mortar and small arms fire emanating from within the cave, carried the wounded man to safety. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.