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 Howard Leslie Mitchell, Jr. (ASN: RA-21305619), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near the Naktong River, Korea, on 7 August 1950. After several attempts had been made and failed to seize enemy positions on high ground, Sergeant Mitchell led five men under intense mortar, machine guns, and rifle fire and reached the summit of the hill. With complete disregard for his own safety he continually exposed himself while placing his men in positions to direct fire on the enemy. While checking the positions of his men and directing their fire, Sergeant Mitchell was killed. His gallant example reflects the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.