The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leo M. Spangenberg (MCSN: 664306), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rocket Gunner of Weapons Company, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 22 March 1951. When the company’s advance was temporarily halted by intense and accurate hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire during an attack against a strongly defended enemy hill position, Private First Class Spangenberg unhesitatingly moved through the devastating fire to an exposed area in order to place heavy rocket fire on the hostile emplacements and, when his rocket ammunition was expended, continued with the company as a rifleman. While administering first aid to a comrade who had been wounded by shrapnel when the unit was subjected to a fierce enemy grenade barrage, he observed a hostile grenade rolling directly toward the casualty and, bravely leaping forward to shield the fallen man from the explosion with his own body, succeeded in saving him from more serious wounds or possible death, although he, himself, sustained severe leg wounds. By his outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, Private First Class Spangenberg served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.