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 First Class Leo V. Shanahan, Jr. (ASN: ER-32922530), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 May 1951 in the vicinity of Pangegi-ri, Korea. On that date, Company B was forced to withdraw under heavy enemy pressure. Sergeant Shanahan, after ordering his squad to fall back, remained behind to fight a delaying action. He deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire, throwing grenade after grenade into the onrushing enemy hordes, until his supply of ammunition was exhausted. He then made his way to the new defensive positions under heavy enemy fire. Arriving at the new positions, he immediately resumed charge of his squad and placed them into positions where the most effective fire could be brought against the enemy. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Shanahan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Leo V. Shanahan, Jr. (ASN: ER-32922530), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 and 28 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date Company B, together with another company, had the mission of securing a hill occupied by well-entrenched enemy forces. As platoon leader with Company B, Sergeant Shanahan led his platoon forward amidst intense hostile fire. When the unit was forced to withdraw due to numerous friendly casualties, Sergeant Shanahan reorganized his platoon and led them forward. Once again with little success, the unit was forced to withdraw and at this time Sergeant Shanahan was wounded several times by enemy fire. Despite the wounds, he again led the platoon forward and upon seeing his machine gunner wounded, Sergeant Shanahan personally operated the machine gun, inflicting numerous casualties upon the enemy. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Sergeant Shanahan reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.