The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Leonard W. Ochs (ASN: 0-1697901), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 25th Infantry Division, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 27 December 1942. Upon meeting continued firm opposition from the enemy against an advance on Hill 27, Lieutenant Ochs, accompanied by one other, advanced into enemy territory for 100 yards to locate enemy fortifications and direct demolition fire into them. Operating under visibility favorable to the enemy and through active fields of enemy fire, Lieutenant Ochs was able to direct effective mortar fire until he was mortally wounded. This action, undertaken with disregard for his own safety, resulted in the silencing of a heavily constructed enemy pill box. Second Lieutenant Ochs’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.