Corbett, Leroy, Col

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Leroy V. Corbett (MCSN: 0-34213), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 15 September 1951. When two of his men were wounded by enemy fire on the crest of a ridge while he was leading one of his platoons on a reconnaissance patrol well in advance of friendly lines, Captain Corbett bravely moved across the fire-swept terrain and successfully deployed his unit to avoid further casualties. Directing his men into fresh positions, he personally covered their movements with a steady stream of fire from his carbine. In a daring attempt to pin down the hostile force, he seized an automatic rifle, stood up amid a hail of enemy fire and delivered a devastating volume of counterfire which inflicted severe casualties on the hostile troops, enabling his men to move over the ridge to positions of safety. By his exceptional courage, outstanding leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, Captain Corbett served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.