The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lance Corporal L. Leon Salisbury, III, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while serving as Team leader, Second Platoon, Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Regimental Combat Team Two, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in action in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06 in New Ubaydi, Iraq. On 16 November 2005, during Operation Steel Curtain, Second Platoon was engaged by 21 insurgents attacking with frontal and flanking automatic weapons fire from four well-fortified, mutually supporting positions. Lance Corporal Salisbury detached with his team from tank security and maneuvered 100 meters through enemy kill zones to reinforce an embattled squad and his platoon commander. Exposing himself during the exchange of fire with the enemy, Lance Corporal Salisbury immediately performed first aid to his squad leader who was immobilized on the front wall of the enemy’s strongpoint and engaged an insurgent outside of the building. As enemy small arms fire and grenades knocked Lance Corporal Salisbury to the ground, he was still able to alert the Marines and Corpsmen present to an enemy grenade that landed next to his squad leader’s head. Despite enduring severe fragmentation wounds to his arm and torso, he evacuated another Marine to the casualty collection point and began treating other Marines’ wounds first. His valiant efforts undoubtedly saved the lives of others and assisted the company in destroying 18 insurgents during the battle. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Salisbury reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Marine Corps. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is Authorized]