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 Lee O. Wines (ASN: RA-13317843), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sojon-ni, Korea, on 6 February 1951. When his platoon was attacking a strongly defended enemy hill and accurate enemy machine gun fire killed his squad leader, Sergeant Wines immediately assumed command of the squad and led it forward in the assault. As the attack progressed, enemy machine gun fire wounded several men and succeeded in pinning down the squad. Sergeant Wines, displaying extraordinary courage and devotion to duty, charged straight into the machine gun fire and hurled hand grenades into the enemy emplacement. The exploding grenades destroyed the gun and drove the crew out into the open, where he killed them with accurate rifle fire. Although enemy small arms fire continued to sweep the area he reorganized his squad, captured his objective, and personally placed his men in strategic positions to secure the captured hill. He then moved down the hill and searched for the wounded members of his squad and locating two wounded comrades, moved them to a covered position and administered effective first aid. Sergeant Wines courageous actions and outstanding leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.