The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Louis J. Scopel (MCSN: 472159), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank-Infantry Liaison Man of Company A, Third Tank Battalion, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 24 February to 23 March 1945. Throughout this entire period, Corporal Scopel Continuously exposed himself to enemy small-arms and mortar fire in order to direct tanks into positions and designate targets for them. On one occasion, when the five tanks which he was directing along a trail northeast of Motoyama Village were attacked by several of the enemy, he was knocked to the ground by an enemy demolition charge which disabled one of his tanks, Although stunned, he got to his feet under heavy small-arms fire and continued to direct the tanks to effective firing positions,. By his indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Scopel aided greatly in the advance of the tanks and the subsequent destruction of a strong pocket of resistance. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.