The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leonard E. Shelby, Sr. (MCSN: 943278), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February, 1945. When his platoon’s advance had been halted by heavy sniper fire from well-concealed position to the front, Private First Class Shelby advanced fifty yards beyond his platoon’s position to a place from which he could bring fire upon the enemy. Upon reaching this exposed point of vantage, he quickly killed eight of the Japanese and spread confusion among the remainder, thereby enabling his platoon to continue its advance and seize its objective with no further casualties. His aggressive fighting spirit, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.