The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Leonardo Hernandez (MCSN: 2238532), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1967, Company M was helilifted into the Que Son Valley in the vicinity of Nui Loc Son to reinforce another Marine company which had sustained numerous casualties and was pinned down by an estimated battalion size enemy force. Upon landing, Company M came under intense enemy small arms and mortar fire from entrenched enemy positions. Undaunted, Sergeant Hernandez deployed his squad for an assault against the numerically superior enemy. In the ensuing fire fight, he skillfully maneuvered his squad across an open rice paddy to assist a Marine patrol pinned down by heavy enemy fire. As other elements of his platoon were proceeding across the rice paddy, they came under a heavy volume of fire and sustained seven casualties, including the platoon commander. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Hernandez returned through the rice paddy to assist his beleaguered companions. Displaying exceptional initiative and courage, he assumed command of the platoon, reorganized the remaining members and supervised the evacuation of the casualties. Repeatedly exposing himself to intense enemy fire, Sergeant Hernandez rallied his men and courageously resumed the assault. Through his determined and fearless efforts, his platoon remained an effective fighting unit, contributing significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his exemplary courage, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Hernandez upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.