The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Leroy Reese, Jr. (ASN: 0-2204774), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 20 May 1951, near Pugan-ni, Korea, while Company L was in the process of attacking Hill 429, strong enemy fire pouring down from three directions, forced the platoons to the ground, completely halting the advance. The Second Platoon, under Lieutenant Reese’s command, had the task of securing the area to its immediate front and it became necessary to devise some plan to distract the hostile fire and continue the assault. After making a personal reconnaissance of the area, Lieutenant Reese crawled to a position and conferred with his squad leaders. They agreed that someone must move out and draw the enemy fire to lift the pressure which had pinned the platoon down, but before volunteers could be called for, Lieutenant Reese began crawling out into the bullet-swept area. Four other men instantly followed him and after they had crawled about 30 yards the full fury of the hostile firepower was turned upon them. Hugging the ground, Lieutenant Reese told his comrades to remain behind while he attempted to dash to a small mound of rocks lying 25 yards further away. Ignoring their protests, he fearlessly ran forward into the face of the enemy fusillade. Firing his rifle at every sign of hostile movement, jumping from one rock pile to another, and hurling hand grenades, he succeeded in reaching his destination. As he fired upon the enemy the other men moved up to join him and their combined fire so engaged the enemy that the platoon was able to charge forward and seize the objective. Lieutenant Reese’s extreme gallantry and selfless leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.