The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Leon C. Thompson (MCSN: 0-16287), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division in action against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands from 20 February to 4 March 1945. Bowled over when a Japanese shell exploded at his feet as he issued night defensive orders to his company on D-Day plus 1, First Lieutenant Thompson, quick to recover from the shock of the blast which killed two Marines and wounded four others immediately directed the removal of the casualties and applied first aid to his own wounds. Remaining at his post despite severe pain he completed his orders and established the evening defense lines before accepting evacuation for necessary medical treatment. Returning to front line duty on D Day plus 7, he took over the company command, rallied his stouthearted forces and waged a furious battle against heavily fortified enemy positions garrisoned by stubbornly resisting troops. In the forefront of action at all times he consistently led the foremost elements of his command in assault and served as an inspiration to his men during critical stages of the almost continuous action, spurring them to heroic effort as they blasted hostile defenses, smashed enemy positions and annihilated Japanese troops. Seriously wounded a second time while directing an adroit maneuver to relieve the pressure on a besieged platoon on 4 March, he resolutely refused medical aid or rest until he had properly yielded his company to his next in command. Fighting with indomitable courage and iron determination throughout a period of bitter conflict, First Lieutenant Thompson, by his forceful leadership sustained aggressiveness and unfaltering professional skill, contributed substantially to the success of his division’s operations against this vital outpost of the Japanese Empire and his gallant conduct in the face of savage opposition upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.