The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Leon D. Gordon (MCSN: 851884), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifleman serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 4 March 1945. With his platoon endangered by friendly tanks maneuvering into position to attack the enemy with flame throwers, Private First Class Gordon unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense Japanese barrages in order to change the tanks’ fire and direct it against hostile targets. His courage, initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Gordon and the United States Naval Service.