The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Leonard Krenzer (MCSN: 0-43055), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as rifle Platoon Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Determined to force a break in the strongly organized Japanese defenses, Second Lieutenant Krenzer led his platoon and a supporting tank in a boldly aggressive assault on heavily fortified enemy positions and, fearlessly risking his life to smash through the savagely contested area, waged a furious battle, fighting closely in hand-to-hand combat and completely eliminating three hostile pillboxes as he advanced approximately one hundred and fifty yards beyond the battalion position. Confronted at this point by five more pillboxes, he gain pushed forward against fantastic resistance, skillfully directed the firepower of his tank at the nearest installation, succeeded in destroying it completely, and was moving to attack still another enemy fortification when he fell, instantly killed. Unwavering in his devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Krenzer, by his dauntless valor, indomitable fighting spirit and decisive action in the face of tremendous opposition, had effected the annihilation of thirty-five Japanese and the destruction of four hostile strong points, and his unfaltering leadership throughout the bitter conflict sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.