Puerto Rico's 
65th INFANTRY REGIMENT

SILVER STAR
HEADQUARTERS 3D INFANTRY DIVISION
GENERAL ORDERS # 404 - 15 September 1953
     Sergeant JOSEPH LEFORT, RA18386796, Infantry, Company "E", 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On the night of 14 June 1953, in the vicinity of Sagimak, Korea, Company "E" made an attack on Hill "412". Sergeant LEFORT was a squad leader in the 1st platoon of the assault element. As they left the friendly lines, the unit came under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire. As they approached the objective, enemy machine gun fire forced the unit to take cover. Realizing that the delay would endanger the entire company, Sergeant LEFORT immediately moved forward despite intense machine gun and small arms fire, and effectively returned the fire, enabling his comrades to leave their cover and resume the assault. A short while later, he was seriously wounded, but courageously continued his advance until rendered unconscious. Sergeant LEFORT'S outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service. Entered the Federal Service from Louisiana.

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 -

National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.

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