The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Lester S. Fought, Jr. (MCSN: 0-8076), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. When the advance of his company had been halted approximately five hundred yards inland for a period of several hours and all efforts to obtain the support of tanks had failed due to the impassability and heavy mining of the terrain in his zone, Major Fought organized and led an assault on three enemy pillboxes which were delivering accurate and intense small-arms and machine-gun fire. Mortally wounded while carrying out this hazardous mission, Major Fought, by his heroic leadership, served as an inspiration to the officers and men under his command and contributed materially to the success of his 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.