The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leon H. Cooper (MCSN: 617603), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 October 1951. Leading his men on a daring patrol raid deep into enemy territory, Sergeant Cooper maneuvered his squad among strong hostile entrenchments in the face of devastating automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire. Skillfully positioning his men to isolate a sector of the enemy’s fortifications, he led a vigorous attack, personally killing ten of the enemy and wounding four others with accurate rifle and grenade fire. Effectively disengaging his unit, he succeeded in returning to friendly lines with only one minor casualty among his men. By his outstanding tactical ability, inspiring leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant Cooper materially aided his unit in annihilating an estimated sixty-five of the enemy, wounding thirteen others and destroying twenty-five hostile bunkers. His unswerving devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.