The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leonard K. Kritz (MCSN: 1118341), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving with an infantry company as a gunner in a heavy machine gun squad, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 September 1950. Concealing the fact that he had been seriously wounded in the leg and foot by bursting enemy hand grenades during the initial stages of an attack against his company’s positions by a strong hostile force, Private First Class Kritz staunchly remained at his post and continued to man his machine gun. Although suffering from severe pain and loss of blood, he placed accurate and effective fire against the attackers from his exposed position, fighting gallantly on until the enemy had been repulsed and his company’s positions restored before he would submit to evacuation. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and fortitude, Private First Class Kritz served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.