Leon Risk

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Leon Risk, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a B-26 bomber, 728th Bombardment Squadron (L), FIFTH Air Force, on 5 May 1951, while participating in a tactical low level bombing mission against an enemy at Pyongyang, Korea. Captain Risk displayed exceptional airmanship and courage in pressing the attack against enemy supply installations with rockets, bombs and machine gun fire. In the first attack, enemy anti-aircraft fire inflicted numerous hits on the plane and wounded the flight maintenance gunner. In spite of the heavy damage, Captain Risk made repeated attacks which resulted in complete destruction of ten enemy supply buildings and precipitated intense fires throughout the entire supply area. At the dangerously low altitude of 25 feet, the aircraft sustained further damage including the loss of the right engine, radio and remote compass. Captain Risk, through keen ability, managed to keep the plane airborne and maneuvered it back to friendly lines where a successful landing was made at an emergency airfield. Captain Risk’s courage, skill and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.