The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Joshua Leach, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 75th Infantry Regiment (Ranger), as a Platoon Sergeant for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL on 1 January 2017. Sergeant First Class Leach, during raid against an ISIL-K commander, was exposed to effective fire from AK-47s and enemy hand grenades from within the targeted compound. Despite painful wounds from an enemy grenade and while under direct fire from a second-story window, Sergeant First Class Leach gallantly stood his ground alone for more than three minutes with a severely wounded Afghan Soldier, refusing to leave him behind. He continuously suppressed the enemy threat allowing two wounded Rangers to maneuver out of the compound, then saved the life of the Afghan Soldier by dragging him to safety under fire. He continued to lead his Rangers, organizing the HLZ party, repositioning security, and only sought medical attention after all MEDEVACs were complete. Sergeant First Class Leach’s distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.