The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Leslie Taylor Shelton, Jr. (MCSN: 0-51496), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Combat Patrol Commander of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 December 1952. Voluntarily leading a combat patrol on an extremely hazardous and difficult mission, First Lieutenant Shelton advanced far forward of the main line of resistance in an effort to recover the bodies of several Marines killed in action during a previous engagement with the enemy. When the patrol became engaged in close combat with a numerically superior hostile force, he spearheaded a determined assault against the fortified enemy positions. With murderous fire and superior numbers of hostile troops retarding the advance of his unit, he led a small group of his men in an aggressive attack on the main point of enemy resistance. Although suffering severe wounds which eventually proved to be fatal, he continued to lead the vicious assault until he collapsed. By his outstanding leadership, valiant fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of overwhelming odds, First Lieutenant Shelton was instrumental in the success achieved by the mission and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.