The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Louie F. Vickers (MCSN: 934106), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Ambulance Driver for the FIFTH Marine Division Field Hospital, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 4 March 1945. Proceeding to the front lines to remove casualties, Corporal Vickers encountered a heavy enemy mortar barrage and stopped to take cover in a cave. Inside the cave, he came upon seven Japanese, one of who shot him in the leg. Quickly firing his .45 caliber pistol, Corporal Vickers killed two of the Japanese in rapid succession and, covering the remaining five, took them prisoners. With the aid of another Marine, he delivered the captured enemy to his Commanding Officer before having his own wound treated. His quick actions, heroic conduct and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.