Enlisted June 24, 1943.
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Silver Star Medal Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph W. Lenzi (MCSN: 861649), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Automatic Rifleman, serving with Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. Observing a group of Japanese troops approaching his company area from the rear, Private First Class Lenzi leaped from his foxhole in full view of the enemy to attack with his automatic weapon. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he engaged the outnumbering hostile group and succeeded in killing five of the enemy before he fell, mortally wounded. By his presence of mind, initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, he alerted his comrades and enabled them to repulse the enemy, and his unwavering devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Lenzi and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Enlisted June 24, 1943.
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Silver Star Medal Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph W. Lenzi (MCSN: 861649), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Automatic Rifleman, serving with Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action on enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 15 March 1945. Observing a group of Japanese troops approaching his company area from the rear, Private First Class Lenzi leaped from his foxhole in full view of the enemy to attack with his automatic weapon. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he engaged the outnumbering hostile group and succeeded in killing five of the enemy before he fell, mortally wounded. By his presence of mind, initiative and indomitable fighting spirit, he alerted his comrades and enabled them to repulse the enemy, and his unwavering devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Lenzi and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.