The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Louis C. Plain (MCSN: 0-4329), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. After landing with the sixth wave on D-Day, Colonel Plain immediately proceeded to the front line and aided in establishing control over the assault companies, repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to accomplish his mission. Returning to the front lines a short time later and observing a company which was held up, he courageously moved out in front of the unit and, although receiving a bullet wound which necessitated his evacuation, inspired the pinned down company to renew its advance. His aggressive leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.