The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leonids Ozolins (MCSN: 1218508), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), and serving as an Observer of Company D, Second Battalion, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 2 December 1952. Volunteering to serve as an observer on a combat patrol venturing deep into enemy territory, Private First Class Ozolins, during the advance, was cut off from the patrol by intense hostile small arms and mortar fire that wounded a second observer. When the enemy advanced upon him while he was assisting a Corpsman in evacuating his wounded comrade, he returned the fire with his rifle and succeeded in driving off the attackers. Returning to the wounded man, he helped to carry the casualty a distance of 250 yards across an open rice paddy which was swept by devastating enemy mortar and small arms fire. By his outstanding courage, daring initiative and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of grave peril, Private First Class Ozolins served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.