The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant] Leonard T. Ferrell (ASN: RA-16235127), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 1 to 5 March 1951, in the vicinity of Sillim-ni, Korea. His company was attacking an enemy stronghold known as “Graveyard Hill”. Sergeant Ferrell, in point position, led his platoon in the attack, fearlessly exposing himself in front of his men. When a well-entrenched and concealed enemy machine gun threatened to delay the company in its attack, Sergeant Ferrell, with complete disregard for his own safety, drew the pins on two hand grenades, and, in a single-handed assault, dashed forward and hurled the grenades into the enemy gun position. The resulting explosion killed the gun crew and placed the enemy weapon out of action. During the ensuing days Sergeant Ferrell constantly placed himself in a foremost position, leading his men and gaining the confidence and admiration of superiors and subordinates. On 4 March 1951, when a numerically superior enemy force caused the company to withdraw, Sergeant Ferrell again distinguished himself by covering the withdrawal of his company with automatic rifle fire. Although the enemy threatened to overrun his position on several occasions, he steadfastly remained in place, meeting every onslaught with deadly accurate fire from his automatic rifle. When the company had reached a suitable defensive position, he reorganized his platoon and led them in a counterattack upon the enemy. The company was again driven back by the intense mortar and heavy weapons fire of the enemy. Sergeant Ferrell, noticing that wounded comrades had been left behind and were in great danger of being killed or captured, went back and carried two comrades to safety. The sustained courage, undaunted spirit and inspiring leadership displayed by Sergeant Ferrell reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.