The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Leslie D. Stewart (ASN: RA-31266758), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 May 1951, in the vicinity of Mug-dol, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Stewart, a heavy machine gun platoon sergeant, was attached to Company C, 38th infantry, and had two light machine guns and the necessary personnel to operate them, under his control. At 0200 hours, 17 May 1951, Company C came under attack by a large enemy force. The left platoon was overrun and a gap in the line occurred through which one group of about company size pressed their attack and attempted to cut the rest of the company off. Another group of about company size pressed their attack along the ridge that had been overrun. Observing the enemy, Sergeant Stewart fearlessly exposed himself as he directed the machine guns to cover the rear approach and the approach from left, thus inflicting a great number of casualties on the enemy. Sergeant Stewart then observed the right platoon of Company C moving to the right on its right flank. He ordered his men to continue their fire until the rifle platoon was in position and then to withdraw into the platoon perimeter, while he, himself, remained to supervise the evacuation of several wounded men to the perimeter. The enemy continued their attack on the company and several withdrawals were made to keep from being encircled. In each case, Sergeant Stewart exposed himself to direct fire from the enemy, while directing the gun crews to act as a covering force. This action continued until the afternoon of the day. Sergeant Stewart then guided Company C back to the battalion forward command post. During the hours that the battalion command post was encircled by countless enemy and subjected to heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, Sergeant Stewart, with absolute disregard for his own safety constantly walked around the perimeter, directing fire, caring for the wounded, and inspiring all the men with his cheerful, courageous manner. During the withdrawal of the battalion, Sergeant Stewart, under the harassment of enemy small arms fire, carried out and supervised the evacuation of the wounded, protecting them until friendly lines were reached. His superior leadership combined with outstanding and selfless devotion to duty, demonstrated in the face of great numerical odds, resulted in the saving of countless lives and materially contributed to restoring a critical situation. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Sergeant Stewart on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.