The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leroy P. Pritchett (MCSN: 1189548), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 6 – 7 July 1952. With his platoon pinned down by hostile fire during the company attack against a strongly defended enemy hill position, Private First Class Pritchett voluntarily moved his machine gun to an exposed peak where he could observed three hostile machine gun positions that were causing many friendly casualties. Forced to expose himself to the enemy fire to aim his weapon effectively, he silenced the first gun position but was seriously wounded. Refusing evacuation and remaining at his post for two hours, he fired a deadly stream of bullets from his commanding positions and also directed another machine gun squad to a nearby position, controlling their fire as well as his own. After two more hours of steady firing, he fainted from loss of blood and, upon revival, tried to remain at his position but was evacuated because of the seriousness of his condition. By his exceptional courage, indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty, Private First Class Pritchett served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.