(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Private Leo E. Pepin (ASN: RA-21195695), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, near Agok, Korea. On the night of 10 June 1952, Private Pepin was a member of a platoon-size patrol which was assigned the mission of contacting the enemy and capturing prisoners. As Private Pepin’s squad neared enemy positions, they were subjected to severe hostile fire from three sides, forcing them to withdraw and establish a perimeter defense. While setting up defensive positions, the automatic rifleman in Private Pepin’s squad was seriously wounded. Private Pepin immediately left his protected position and dashed through an exposed area saturated with enemy mortar, grenade, and small arms fire to aid his comrade. While Private Pepin was carrying the wounded man to a less exposed position, he himself was seriously and painfully wounded in the back by mortar fragments, but he refused to abandon his comrade, and was able to evacuate him to a safer position. The gallantry and selfless devotion to his comrade displayed on this occasion reflect the greatest credit on Private Pepin and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.