The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Harold H. Leach (MCSN: 1159508), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 16 April 1952. With his unit occupying a forward outpost during a fanatical enemy attack, Corporal Leach, although painfully wounded, bravely made his way through intense hostile artillery and mortar fire to inform the platoon commander of the squad’s situation. When the numerically superior force overran the positions, he fearlessly rushed to the aid of another wounded Marine and repulsed the enemy with hand grenades and his bare fists. After skillfully reorganizing his squad, he set it in as part of a newly-formed defensive perimeter and directed his unit in repelling repeated hostile attacks for a period of three hours. By his outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and gallant devotion to duty, Corporal Leach contributed materially to the successful defense of the outpost and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.