The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Joseph Robert Leeds (MCSN: 649831), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Koto-ri, Korea, on 8 December 1950. When intense, accurate small-arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from well-entrenched enemy positions caused many casualties and checked the advance of his platoon up the steep slopes of a mountain which controlled Koto-ri Pass, Corporal Leeds gallantly led his fire team in a bold assault upon the vigorously-defended hostile positions located on commanding ground. Although handicapped by the heavily falling snow and sub-zero temperatures, he located the focal point of the enemy fire and, bravely moving forward, destroyed the machine-gun emplacement and a total of nine enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand combat before he fell mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit and courageous initiative served to inspire his unit in overrunning the hostile positions and seizing its vital objective. By his leadership and inspiring devotion to duty, Corporal Leeds upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.