The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Lester E. Dyer (MCSN: 0-30281), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. With the advance of his platoon halted by a concentration of hostile small-arms fire during an attack on an enemy position, Second Lieutenant Dyer went forward of the front lines to reconnoiter and then, with complete disregard for his personal safety, led his platoon to a position where fire could be directed upon the Japanese, directing his men in fighting the enemy until he fell, mortally wounded. By his fearless leadership, indomitable spirit and personal bravery, he gave encouragement to his men and contributed to the success of his platoon in advancing against the enemy, and his conduct throughout reflected the highest credit upon Second Lieutenant Dyer and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.