The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Leborie Esposito (MCSN: 502559), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Fire Group Leader, serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 20 February 1945. Detecting a strategically located bunker manned by several enemy riflemen, Corporal Esposito, boldly led his group forward across open terrain in an assault through intense and withering hostile fire and, moving to the flank of his target, directed a continuous barrage of grenades and rifle fire upon the hostile emplacement until it was annihilated. A valiant fighter, Corporal Esposito by his cool and courageous leadership under fire and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout this operation inspired the men of his platoon and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.