The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Lee T. Purcell (ASN: RA-16303617), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 12 February 1951 in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea. The enemy was attempting to cut off and destroy the battalion as it passed through a series of road blocks. Company C was assigned the mission of capturing a hill upon which an enemy machine gun was pouring intense fire on the road. Sergeant Purcell charged the enemy position, constantly firing his automatic rifle as he advanced. He successfully destroyed the enemy machine gun and killed its gunner. During the entire action, he was subjected to enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. His action was an inspiration to his entire platoon and enabled the motorized column to move forward. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Purcell reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.