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 First Class Max W. Leake (ASN: 33948040), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 March 1945, in Germany. As his company was preparing defensive positions, heavy fire was received from enemy tanks and self-propelled guns. Private First Class Leake boldly moved ahead of the other men and advanced into the open and fired two rifle grenades at the gun, scoring two hits and partially immobilizing it. As the enemy crew began to withdraw with their weapon, Private First Class Leake advanced through continuing fire and fired a third grenade and also a white phosphorous grenade which set the gun on fire. He then continued firing at the enemy and killed two of them. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Leake, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and 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 Private First Class Max W. Leake (ASN: 33948040), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 17 April 1945, in Germany. Acting own their own initiative, Private First Class Leake and a comrade advanced under intense small arms fire on a factory occupied by the enemy. They took two prisoner and returned to their platoon with enemy weapons which were used against the remainder of the enemy force occupying the factory. As a result of their heroic action, the volume of fire coming from the enemy strongpoint was reduced so that the factory could be seized. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Leake, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.