The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James R. Leakey (ASN: US-55112763), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Pangdangdong-ni, Korea, on 13 October 1951. During its assault against determined enemy forces, his platoon was subjected to intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from an enemy bunker. Private Leakey, realizing that a continued advance depended on the destruction of the enemy strongpoint, moved forward, crawling over the extremely rugged terrain, until he reached a position at the rear of the bunker. From this point, he unleashed a barrage of grenades, destroying the emplacement and killing its occupants. As a result of his bold initiative, the platoon was able to advance and secure its objective with a minimum of casualties. Private Leakey’s heroic action, aggressiveness and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.