The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Josephat N. Levesque (MCSN: 129429), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Ammunition Carrier of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 – 27 March 1953. When a Marine fell seriously wounded after the unit was pinned down by a devastating hostile mortar and artillery barrage during a counterattack on a vital enemy-held outpost, Private First Class Levesque removed his helmet and put it on the head of the wounded man. In order to shield his comrade from further wounds, he covered the man with his body until he himself was wounded and rendered unconscious. By his indomitable courage, quick initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of another, Private First Class Levesque was directly responsible for saving the man’s life and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.