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 Leon E. Flake (ASN: RA-18335877), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 2 September 1950, at Pohang, South Korea, while serving in Company K, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Corporal Flake distinguished himself during an attack against enemy positions on Hill 99. After suffering heavy losses, Corporal Flake’s platoon was pinned down in a dry river gulch by a hail of enemy machine gun fire emanating from Hill 99. Corporal Flake, with no thought of his own personal safety, rushed the enemy position, sustaining serious wounds in both legs from enemy fire. Corporal Flake’s gallant action allowed three of his fellow comrades to gain further ground up Hill 99. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Flake on this occasion reflects the highest tradition of military service, and reflects great credit on himself, the 21st Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.