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 (Field Artillery) Lee R. Stickler (ASN: 0-383209), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Battery, Division Artillery, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 15 January 1952, Lieutenant Stickler volunteered to pilot an unarmed liaison type aircraft to an area approximately 15,000 yards beyond the Division’s main line of resistance to adjust fire of a forward battery of artillery on enemy reserve troops and supply areas in the vicinity of Songnyong, Korea. Subjected to intense anti-aircraft and automatic-weapons fire, he fearlessly continued to fly his craft at hazardous altitudes in order for the observer to pinpoint targets and place devastating artillery fire on enemy troops and supplies, causing 200 enemy casualties, one vehicle neutralized and four ammunition dumps destroyed. Only after the forward battery ran low on ammunition and the aircraft low on fuel did he return to his base. Later the same day Lieutenant Stickler, fully realizing the hazards involved, again entered the target area. Undaunted by the heavy volume of automatic-weapons and anti-aircraft fire, he remained in the area until four dug-in positions and one anti-aircraft position had been pinpointed and effectively silenced. The gallantry, resolute leadership and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Stickler reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.