The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class LeRoy August Renson (MCSN: 369094), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with a Machine Gun Section of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group from 15 to 25 September 1944. Flanked by hostile tanks within ten yards of his position and with three of his squad seriously wounded during the enemy’s fanatic tank-led opposition on 15 September, Private First Class Renson resolutely fought his gun and maintained his men at their posts throughout the fierce battle. Taking over as Section Leader during a furious offensive across an open airfield on the following day, he defied concentrated Japanese shellfire to lead his men in the evacuation of an extremely hazardous mission. Struck down by a heavy mortar barrage while holding his vital gun position in the face of shattering point-blank fire on the night of 25 September, Private First Class Renson, by his courageous initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and valiant fortitude, was an inspiration to his comrades, and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.