The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Offie L. Leeper, Jr. (ASN: 0-2209127), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 September 1951 near Kamgo-ri, Korea. As the platoon moved cautiously over the rugged terrain, deep in hostile territory, it was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy. Lieutenant Leeper, without regard for his personal safety, fearlessly charged the foe, firing his carbine and throwing grenades. Courageously maintaining a one man stand until mortally wounded by small arms fire, his action enabled his men to withdraw to a stronger defensive position. His dauntless aggressiveness and selfless devotion to duty inspired his fellow soldiers to greater efforts, thus inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and crushing the effectiveness of the ambush. Lieutenant Leeper’s gallantry reflects the highest credit on himself and the military service.