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.
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