The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private] Leo H. Marquis (ASN: RA-11191511), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 September 1950, near Tabu-dong, Korea. During the ordered withdrawal of the 1st Battalion from positions on Hill 824 to a position 4,000 yards to the rear, it was necessary to attack an enemy force astride the route of withdrawal. An enemy machine gun, which had excellent cover and concealment, was pinning down the attack force with a murderous hail of fire. Realizing that, unless the enemy gun emplacement was destroyed, many of his comrades would be wounded or killed, Corporal Marquis, at great risk to his life, fearlessly exposed himself to the hazardous fire. With the enemy bullets literally churning the dirt around him, Corporal Marquis worked his way close enough to the machine gun nest to knock out the crew with hand grenades. Although wounded by grenade fragments during this action, he painfully maneuvered himself to a position to kill an enemy sniper who was protecting a hostile position and harassing friendly troops. His coolness under fire and the unhesitating manner in which he assaulted the enemy, made it possible for his battalion to continue its march and assume new positions. Corporal Marquis’ outstanding devotion to duty and gallant actions reflect great credit on himself and the military service.