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 (Corps of Engineers) Henry P. Leighton, Jr. (ASN: 0-2262250), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 November 1950 and 1 December 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. On the night of 30 November 1950 he was riding in a convoy which was attempting to break through an enemy roadblock that was approximately five miles in depth. When the convoy was halted by intense enemy fire, the men were ordered to dismount and seek cover in the surrounding hills. Lieutenant Leighton organized these men into a column and led them across country away from the mail supply route. Many times during that night and the following morning he exposed himself to enemy fire in order to determine enemy positions and possible routes of advance. Several other groups joined the column until he was leading approximately 200 men. His skillful leadership and uncanny instinct for evading enemy concentrations and strong points were a major factor in the success of these men in reaching the safety of friendly lines. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Leighton reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.