The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Leland Lewis (MCSN: 307010), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against the enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 14 March 1945. Suddenly encountering heavy machine-gun and mortar fire from near-by caves and pillboxes as he was leading his squad forward against a heavily fortified enemy emplacement, Sergeant Lewis immediately informed his platoon leader and, despite the intense hostile fire from all directions, proceeded forward alone toward a Japanese blockhouse which seemed to be preventing his squad’s advance. Cool and determined, he persevered in his attempt to neutralize this obstructing fire until he was struck down while throwing a hand grenade. By his aggressive tactics, great initiative and extreme bravery under fire, Sergeant Lewis effectively contributed to the successful assaulting and final elimination of the enemy stronghold. 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.