The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Armor) Edward Thomas Leach (ASN: 0-1688455), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Reconnaissance Company, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 14 February 1951, near Tunjon, Korea an enemy force of approximately two hundred and fifty attacked the positions of the 3d Reconnaissance Company. Lieutenant Leach immediately began to establish a defensive perimeter in a rice paddy two hundred yards to the rear of the original positions. Shortly after the first enemy attack a critical shortage of ammunition developed. Lieutenant Leach, disregarding his own personal safety, voluntarily ran through a volley of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire to the original positions to retrieve ammunition for the beleaguered company. Later he again braved the heavy enemy fire to procure more ammunition. The courage and fortitude displayed by Lieutenant Leach enabled the company to defeat the enemy attack and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.