The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lee D. Toquothy (ASN: RA-25701068), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 7th Reconnaissance Company, 7th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy near Hoengsong, Korea, on 12 February 1951. On this date, Corporal Toquothy, a tank crew member, was riding in a convoy which was attempting to escape entrapment by numerically superior enemy forces. As the convoy moved into the town of Hoengsong, the column came under intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire from well-entrenched enemy troops. The vehicle in which Corporal Toquothy was riding was knocked out by enemy troops hidden in the rice paddies and ditches along the road. Corporal Toquothy immediately seized a light machine gun and single-handedly began to move along the column firing his weapon from the hip. On the final of four roadblocks, Corporal Toquothy moved among the hidden enemy and pinned them down with furious fire, thus allowing the vehicles to proceed. As the last vehicle cleared the position, he remained in position to cover the rear of the column, firing his machine gun until heat from the weapon ignited his gloves. Only when it was apparent that all troops were clear of the enemy position did Corporal Toquothy withdraw to rejoin the column. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Toquothy reflects great credit on himself and the military service.