The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant George J. Linzenbold (MCSN: 0-44128/223548), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Landing on a beach which was subjected to a blanketing barrage of hostile mortar, rocket, artillery and machine-gun fire, Second Lieutenant Linzenbold immediately reorganized his platoon and courageously led it through devastating machine-gun fire to its assigned position. After learning that all officers in his company senior to him had become casualties, he assumed command under the most hazardous conditions of combat and, handicapped by the loss of his radio, made his way across fire-swept terrain to the command post of an adjacent unit where he communicated information concerning the tactical situation to his commanding officer. After returning to his company, Second Lieutenant Linzenbold personally led his men in an assault against a large hostile pillbox which had been delivering fire which impeded the advance of his landing team and, although painfully wounded, continued to lead the company until the enemy position was destroyed and its occupants killed. His leadership, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.