The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Louis V. Nelson (MCSN: 910903), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 9 May 1945. When his unit was subjected to intense hostile small-arms and mortar fire after gaining its objective on a ridge, Corporal Nelson immediately ordered the members of his squad to withdraw to a defiladed position and, covering their retreat with effective machine-gun positions and continued to fire his gun until severely wounded, By this courageous initiative, Corporal Nelson contributed materially to the success of his platoon in regaining its position, and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.