The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert J. Leonard (ASN: 0-969202), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 November 1951, Company G, 2d Battalion, occupying defensive positions on Hill 355 near Kowang-san, Korea, was subjected to a withering enemy artillery barrage followed by an assault from numerically superior ground forces. Employing heavy small arms fire, the hostile troops overran two of the three defensive strong points, forcing the friendly troops to withdraw to the one remaining fortified position. Lieutenant Leonard, Platoon Leader in charge of this sector of the company perimeter, quickly surveyed the situation and fearlessly moved about the embattled area shouting encouragement to the men and placing them in positions where they could deliver maximum fire upon the enemy. When finding a man wounded, he always assisted the medical aidmen and on occasions provided covering fire necessary to evacuate the wounded. He was constantly on the alert to cover any gap in the defense perimeter and when ammunition was exhausted he courageously moved over the shelled area to replenish the supply. His leadership and bravery under fire were instrumental in repelling the vicious enemy drives and saving the lives of many of his fellow men. Lieutenant Leonard’s gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.