The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald Martin Leonhard (ASN: RA-17332828), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery B, 38th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 26 December 1952 in the vicinity of Hyon-Chon, North Korea. On that night, Private Leonhard was serving as Reconnaissance Sergeant in a forward observation position, directing artillery fire in support of a patrol from Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment. This patrol was ambushed by the enemy and at approximately 2000 hours, wounded men from the patrol began staggering up the hill toward the observation post seeking safety and medical aid. Realizing that the hill was heavily mined and booby-trapped, Private Leonhard shouted to the men not to move, but in spite of his warning one severely wounded soldier continued to crawl toward the position. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and with full knowledge that the hill was infested with mines and booby traps, Private Leonhard leaped from his position of comparative security and started down the slope to assist the wounded infantryman. While running down the hill, he detonated one of the booby traps, mortally wounding him. He sacrificed his life to aid a helpless comrade without concern for danger and when obviously not required to do so. The heroism displayed by Private Leonhard reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.