The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Victor Lee Cole (MCSN: 313089), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division during action on enemy Japanese held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands 28 February 1945. Voluntarily moving forward to an exposed position in order to fire his bazooka into four enemy emplacements Corporal Cole succeeded in destroying all four Japanese positions before he fell, mortally wounded by hostile fire. Through his fearlessness and initiative he enabled his platoon to withdraw from an untenable position and continue as a tactical unit. His courageous conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.