The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Stephen D. Leaf (MCSN: 2389051), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 7 March 1969, the first platoon was proceeding to a designated location in Quang Nam Province to establish an ambush when several Marines in the lead element were seriously wounded by the detonation of a hostile explosive device. As Corporal Leaf, reacting instantly, was pushing forward through the elephant grass to establish a defensive perimeter, the platoon came under a heavy volume of machine gun and automatic weapons fire. Disregarding the enemy rounds impacting nearby, he unhesitatingly moved from one Marine position to another, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their suppressive fire. With the arrival of a medical evacuation helicopter, the hostile action increased in intensity and Corporal Leaf, with complete disregard for his own safety, commenced carrying the injured men across 150 meters of fire-swept terrain to the aircraft. Despite the enemy fire, he then fearlessly maneuvered about the hazardous area to check the security of the defensive perimeter and ascertain the condition of his men before proceeding to the command post to assist in the coordination of fixed wing air strikes. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties. By his courage, aggressive initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Leaf upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.