The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Freddie J. LeBlanc (MCSN: 659057), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader 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 his unit was pinned down by devastating enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire while participating in a counterattack on a vital enemy-held outpost, Sergeant LeBlanc courageously exposed himself to the intense fire to rally his unit and to keep it in order. Although painfully wounded while moving from man to man to reorganize the group and direct its fire, and handicapped by the scarcity of men able to assist him, he valiantly attempted to muster his squad for an enveloping maneuver before his painful wounds necessitated his evacuation. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty in the face of greave peril, Sergeant LeBlanc served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.