The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Loren LeRoy Mitchell (MCSN: 405170), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, while serving as Acting Commander of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 15 May 1945. Unhesitatingly assuming command of his company when all officers had become casualties as a result of unusually heavy mortar and machine-gun fire from a besieged Japanese stronghold, Sergeant Mitchell boldly moved to the front of the lines, rallied his disorganized men and, skillfully directing them in the assault, seized the bitterly defended objective. After organizing a defensive position and directing the evacuation of the wounded, he directed effective mortar and machine-gun fire against hostile emplacements holding up the advance of adjacent friendly units. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Sergeant Mitchell contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the Battalion’s mission, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.