Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    11th Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    May 29, 1951

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 589 (July 26, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Estanisledo Leon (ASN: RA-39757048), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On 29 May 1951, Corporal Leon’s company was moving forward in an attack against Hill 425 when it was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy emplacement at the base of the slope. Seeing that his unit was helplessly stalled and in danger of annihilation, Corporal Leon voluntarily moved forward alone in the face of the intense fire to assault the enemy emplacement. Using hand grenades and his rifle, he moved steadily forward until he had destroyed the position, killing four of the enemy and capturing five others. This action relieved the pressure on his unit and allowed his comrades to continue the assault and successfully secure the objective. The outstanding courage and determination displayed by Corporal Leon reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.