The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Joseph E. LoPrete (MCSN: 0-16204), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Leader of an Assault and Demolitions Platoon of the Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 16 March 1945. Demonstrating outstanding ability, First Lieutenant Lo Prete directed his platoon in the destruction of many fortified positions which confronted his Battalion during its advance and, on 21 February, led a demolition squad against a bunker which was holding up the advance. Although two men were killed by hostile small-arms fire while moving toward the bunker, he continued to lead his men forward and, successfully destroying the bunker, aided his unit in the advance. After his Battalion sustained many casualties among the officers, he assumed command of a rifle platoon on 7 March, and, realizing the necessity for immediate action when the Battalion was held up on 16 March, by a pocket of Japanese who were inflicting severe casualties among the Marines in this area, led his men against this group and annihilated it. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.