The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John E. Liebert (ASN: 0-2206708), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 6 January 1952, Company E was attacking hostile positions near Kosansang, Korea, when the assault platoon leader and platoon sergeant were wounded and had to be evacuated, leaving the platoon temporarily without a leader. Lieutenant Liebert, Platoon Leader of the support platoon, was immediately placed in charge of the assault platoon. Deploying his forces, he led his platoon toward the enemy positions and, when only a very short distance away, the foe commenced firing with such devastating automatic-weapons and small-arms fire that the friendly forces were forced to take cover. Realizing the impending danger to the platoon and the necessity for quick action, Lieutenant Liebert, completely exposing himself and with utter disregard for his personal safety, charged the hostile position, firing his weapon at a rapid rate while he ran. Upon reaching a point from which he could accurately fire on the foe, Lieutenant Liebert delivered a lethal spray of bullets, forcing the hostile troops to abandon their position. Soon he noticed another machine-gun on his flank that was holding up the general advance of the company; quickly moving to a more advantageous position, he used the remaining ammunition on the enemy position and, delivering a withering hail of fire, forced the foe from his emplacement and enabled friendly units to successfully complete their mission. Lieutenant Liebert’s gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

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) John E. Liebert (ASN: 0-2206708), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 23 November 1951, near Kowang-ni, Korea, Company E while occupying defensive positions on Hill 355, was attacked by a numerically superior enemy, employing mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. During this action, Lieutenant Liebert, a Platoon Leader, directed his mortar section to continue firing on the enemy troops that were swarming up the hill. Receiving word that the forward observer of the Third Platoon had been mortally wounded, he fearlessly exposed himself to the hostile bombardment as he raced across open terrain to assume command as the forward observer. Calling for full volume of mortar fire on the approaching foe, he remained at his position until ordered to withdraw, whereupon he conducted an organized withdrawal and assisted in the evacuation of the wounded. Lieutenant Liebert’s gallant conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.