The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Francis Leshow (MCSN: 2073488), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 10 May 1967, Company C commenced an assault against a North Vietnamese Army battalion occupying Hill 110 in the vicinity of Khe Sanh. Continually exposing himself to intense enemy small arms and mortar fire, Corporal Leshow fearlessly moved among his men directing effective fire and personally killing three enemy soldiers and wounding others. Observing three wounded Marines lying in an exposed area, he maneuvered to their position and administered medical aid. While he was treating one of the seriously wounded men, the area came under an intense enemy mortar attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Leshow shielded the casualty with his own body and, as a result, sustained painful fragmentation wounds in his left leg. When the mortar attack ended, he carried the wounded Marine to the medical aid station. Ignoring his painful wound, Corporal Leshow organized a small patrol and led it to the base of Hill 110 to obtain water for the casualties. Throughout the remainder of the six hour fire fight, Corporal Leshow continued to move from one position to another, directing fire against the enemy, encouraging his companions and assisting with the wounded. When the platoon sergeant was wounded, Corporal Leshow unhesitatingly assumed his duties, refusing evacuation until he had assisted the platoon commander in organizing the platoon’s perimeter for the night. His unwavering determination and sincere concern for his fellow Marines inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his resolute courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Leshow upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.