The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leonard J. Ouderkirk (ASN: RA-12350292), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 April 1951, in the vicinity of Kapyong, Korea. On this date, Private Ouderkirk volunteered to relinquish his position within his tank to stand on its rear deck to secure stretchers of wounded soldiers being evacuated by tank from a surrounded position. Private Ouderkirk knew he would be subjected to heavy enemy fire during the entire return trip through enemy lines but he chose to remain with the wounded who would otherwise have been in danger of being thrown from the rear of the tank as it traveled the rough terrain to friendly lines. Throughout the trip, Privat e Ouderkirk endured enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from all sides. His action made possible the successful and speedy evacuation of the wounded in spite of the enemy fire, the surrounded position and the rugged terrain, Private Ouderkirk’s gallantry and devotion to his wounded comrades reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.