The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Leonal Mardoquero Cruz (ASN: RA-26240501), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 25th Armored Reconnaissance Company, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During a firefight on 11 September 1950, near Samjang-ni, Korea, Private First Class Cruz observed the enemy move to a higher position from which they could deliver more accurate fire. Shouting to his comrades to take cover, Private First Class Cruz moved forward firing into the hostile machine gun emplacement. He accounted for several enemy casualties and permitted his men to displace to more suitable positions while he drew the entire force of the hostile fire. He was mortally wounded in the action. Private First Class Cruz’s gallant initiative and devotion to duty and his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.