The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Leonard J. Fagot (MCSN: 309641), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, May 14, 1945. When the Platoon Leader became a casualty and the Platoon Sergeant became separated from the platoon during the assault on the Naha-Shuri line, Corporal Fagot assumed command of the unit. Quickly effecting a reorganization, he led a furious charge that overran enemy mortar positions on the reverse slope of the hill in his line of advance, killing the Japanese gunners and capturing the mortars. Although units on his left and right had been unable to advance by nightfall, he requested permission to remain on the hill despite the exposed platoon flanks and, fighting off furious hostile counterattacks during the night, enabled his men to render the entire enemy position untenable the following morning. His aggressive leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.