The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Leslie H. Cagle (ASN: RA-14216105), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 13 March 1951, in the vicinity of Yudong-ni, Korea. On that date he was forward observer for an 81-mm. mortar platoon attached to another unit to direct and adjust mortar fire. As the platoon advanced it was subjected to intense enemy machine gun fire and was temporarily pinned down. Corporal Cagle, realizing that from his observation post he could not direct accurate supporting fire, immediately moved forward under machine gun and rifle fire to a better position. From this new position he was able to direct such effective mortar fire that the enemy gun was put out of action. Shortly after this, the enemy counter-attacked and again he exposed himself to direct mortar fire. This time he directed such effective mortar fire that it halted the advance of the enemy and forced them to withdraw with a large number of casualties. His actions were responsible for stopping the counterattack and were instrumental to the fact that the unit continued its mission with a minimum of casualties. His heroic actions were responsible for stopping the counter-attack and enabled the unit to successfully complete its mission. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Cagle reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.