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 [then Private] Leon A. Green (ASN: RA-12298037), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near the Kum River, Korea, on 16 July 1950. During the reorganization of his company following a withdrawal from the Kum River line, the enemy was observed on the flanks preparing to attack the company and prevent its reorganization. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Green unhesitatingly set up a 60-mm. mortar in an open field. Working alone, he positioned, sighted, and fired the weapon. By directing the enemy’s fire at his exposed position, he enabled his unit to bring effective fire to bear on the enemy. Only when the sights of his mortar had been shot off and the tube pierced by accurate enemy rifle fire did he abandon his position. Through his gallant action, the company succeeded in eliminating the threatening enemy. His courage and coolness in the face of enemy fire reflect the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.


