Joseph Lefort

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph Lefort (RA18386796), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. 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.