The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leon A. King, Jr. (MCSN: 663159), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 21 October to 29 November 1950. With his company completely surrounded by a numerically superior hostile force and subjected to repeated fanatical hostile attacks, Private First Class King, although suffering from frozen feet and unable to walk, dauntlessly continued to man his machine gun after the other members of his squad had been either killed or wounded. Placing accurate fire on the final protective lines and targets of opportunity, he succeeded in preventing an enemy penetration and contributed to the success of his company in maintaining an effective defense against the aggressors. By his indomitable fortitude, fighting spirit and his courageous and determined efforts throughout the furious action, Private First Class King inspired all who observed him to heroic efforts in defending the position and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.