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 First Class [then Sergeant] Leon W. Steele (ASN: RA-12290526), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 16 July 1953, in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea, Sergeant Steele was platoon sergeant of a combat patrol advancing to Hill “326”, a contested position near enemy lines. Reaching the crest of the hill, Sergeant Steele immediately deployed his men in an effective defense perimeter. He soon observed an enemy force approaching the position and, alerting his men, aggressively led the patrol in the ensuing firefight. After repelling the attack, the unit moved back approximately thirty yards to more advantageous positions. Learning that two comrades were missing, Sergeant Steele courageously ran back to the previous location through heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire to evacuate them. Returning with the men, he was informed that the platoon leader had been mortally wounded and, after receiving the order to return, he safely guided the patrol back to the main line of resistance. Sergeant Steele’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.