The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Lawrence R. Pollock (MCSN: 418293), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a squad leader of Company C, Fourth Engineer Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 19 February 1945. Observing that the leading tank on the beach was put out of action by enemy mines, Sergeant Pollock voluntarily and courageously moved beyond the front lines to clear a path for the remaining tanks and working under machine gun, mortar and anti-tank fire, removed mines which were impeding the advance of our forces and causing heavy casualties. By his quick and valiant action, he enabled the tanks to proceed much faster and thereby aided materially in destroying enemy positions in a minimum of time. Although wounded during this action, Sergeant Pollock refused evacuation until he had led the tanks to the edge of the airstrip. By his heroism, aggressive fighting spirit and devotion to duty throughout, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.