The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Victor L. Stier (MCSN: 0-22901), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Intelligence Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-first Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 2 March 1945. During an attack against a strategic position commanding an airfield, First Lieutenant Stier’s battalion was halted by intense mortar and machine-gun fire and the assault companies engaged in violent hand to hand combat. When the Battalion Commander was wounded, he volunteered to reconnoiter the area for the information needed to consolidate their gains and arrange the defense for the night. Despite heavy enemy fire, he toured the lines to observe the condition of the Battalion. Finding the assault companies disorganized and decimated, he directed the consolidation of the positions until long after dark, working with the company commanders to build their lines, tie in their flanks and strengthen their positions. When his mission was accomplished, he made the dangerous return trip at the risk of being fired on by friendly and hostile forces. Time after time, he personally led his intelligence section as carrying parties. By his inspiring leadership and heroic devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Stier contributed materially to the success of the operations, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.