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 Leon Jenkins (ASN: RA-12297155), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 24 June 1953, in the vicinity of Chat-Kol, Korea, a numerically superior enemy force attacked Company K positions on the main line of resistance. During an accompanying barrage of mortar and artillery fire, several casualties were inflicted upon friendly soldiers. Learning of the casualties, Sergeant Jenkins moved into the trenches to render aid. While on his way to the wounded, he encountered four enemy troops and mortally wounded them in close combat. He continued to engage other attacking soldiers who had broken through to the trenches and were attempting to lift the grenade guards on a friendly bunker to fire upon the occupants. After administering aid to several men, he continued on to a machine gun bunker and found several more wounded United Nations personnel. He then obtained aidmen for these casualties. Later, word was received that other friendly elements were going to counterattack, believing that the enemy was in complete possession of the hill. Aware that the lives of friendly troops holding most of the positions on the hill were in danger, Sergeant Jenkins rushed to meet the counterattacking force and led them to attain maximum combat effectiveness and avoid confusion. His brave actions were instrumental in coordinating defensive operations and in the defeat of the enemy attack. Sergeant Jenkins’ outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.