The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Leval Strickland (ASN: US-53085629), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, near Kumsong, Korea, on 10 December 1951. His unit had the mission of attacking and securing several strongly defended enemy positions. His platoon became pinned down by a murderous concentration of hostile machine gun fire. Realizing that the foe’s emplacement must be obliterated, Private Strickland, with utter disregard for his own personal safety advanced to a point within a few yards of the bunker and delivered a deadly accurate hail of bullets into it, killing two occupants and wounding the third. He was seriously wounded while clearing out the position but continued fighting until he had finished the job. As a direct result of his accomplishment, his unit was able to complete its mission. Private Strickland’s gallant action, unswerving determination and selfless performance of duty were an inspiration to his comrades and reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.