The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Virgil L. Leggett (ASN: RA-6668402), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date a numerically superior enemy was attempting to break through the perimeter defense around Wonju and had cut off and surrounded one platoon. Seeing the platoon pinned down by direct fire from a hostile machine gun as well as small arms, Sergeant Leggett resolutely led his men forward in an assault through the heavy fire and succeeded in silencing the enemy machine gun and freeing the trapped platoon. The forceful attack led by Sergeant Leggett and his skillful use of his fire power drove the enemy back with heavy losses and assured the integrity of the perimeter. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Leggett reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Virgil L. Leggett (ASN: RA-6668402), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Kunmul-gol, Korea. On that date Sergeant Leggett’s platoon had the mission of seizing and securing a high hill. The enemy had overrun the highest portion of the company positions during the night and was showering friendly troops with heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Sergeant Leggett, disregarding his own safety, exposed himself to the intense enemy fire as he led his platoon in a fierce bayonet charge which retook the hill. Later when the company was ordered to withdraw to better firing positions, his platoon held the ground with covering fire until the remainder of the company completed the withdrawal. Last to leave the position with his platoon, Sergeant Leggett picked up a number of wounded in an effort to carry them to the battalion. Unable to reach the battalion which, meanwhile, had withdrawn, Sergeant Leggett confidently led his group through the enemy lines. He courageously fought off all opposition by strong enemy patrols, until he finally reached friendly lines from where the wounded could be evacuated. The gallantry and heroic leadership in the face of great odds displayed by Sergeant Leggett reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.