The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leo L. Lenz (ASN: US-55068294), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 September 1951 in the vicinity of Satae-ri, Korea. On this date, Private Lenz was an assistant machine gunner with a unit which was defending its position against the fanatical attacks of a numerically superior enemy force. Private Lenz occupied an emplacement, in the direct path of the onrushing enemy, with his machine gunner and squad leader. During the course of this action, hostile fire fatally wounded his two comrades and he, himself was wounded. Despite the painful wound and the hostile force, who at times advanced to several yards from his position, Private Lenz tenaciously maintained his emplacement, firing devastating fire on the enemy troops. He continued his courageous action, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy, until reinforcements arrived. As a result of Private Lenz’s determination and devotion to duty the enemy was forced to withdraw. The gallantry in action displayed by Private Lenz on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.