The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Lawrence C. Skiba (MCSN: 806419), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Automatic Rifleman of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 28 February 1945. Participating in the destruction of a network of Japanese bunkers which had just been by-passed by attacking elements, Private First Class Skiba assisted in killing several enemy before surprise machine-gun fire cut down his platoon leader and six men. Immediately returning effective counter-fire, he prevented the Japanese from attacking our wounded and, guiding a corpsman into the locality, covered him while he attended the casualties. Remaining in this hazardous position, he furnished cover for the stretcher party which carried the wounded from the trap and was the last to leave this well defended area which was later captured by use of many flame throwers and demolition charges. His initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and aggressive devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Skiba and the Unites States Naval Service.