The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Leonard Becicka (ASN: 0-58288), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On 14 September 1950 Captain Becicka led his company in an assault on a key terrain feature near Ungjon, Korea. Although the only route of approach was a steep, open slope and along a barren ridge, he moved out in the face of heavy hostile machine guns and small arms fire to direct the attack. Inspiring his men to great effort and zeal by his personal display of courage and determination he enabled his unit to seize their objective despite the enemy advantages of numbers and position. Captain Becicka’s valorous leadership and notable military skill are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Leonard Becicka (ASN: 0-58288), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Near Oryong, Korea, on 8 September 1950, Captain Becicka’s company was mounting a fierce determined assault on enemy positions. Although exposed to a withering concentration of small arms and automatic weapons fire, he calmly supervised effective counterfire. When the enemy attempted a flanking attack, he crawled and ran from man to man, skillfully maneuvered them to meet the hostile threat, delivered devastating fire that inflicted heavy casualties and routed the enemy and secured the position without losses among his men. Captain Becicka’s courage, tactical skill and inspirational leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.