The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Leon E. Beard (ASN: 31321249), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 24 February 1945. Private Beard, while exploring a dungeon at Fort Santiago in the Walled City of Manila with two officers, was attacked by a Japanese soldier. After Private Beard had knocked him down, the enemy soldier threw a grenade in the midst of the three Americans. Private Beard, with great presence of mind, shot the Japanese, warned the others to seek cover and then deliberately stepped on the grenade, cushioning its explosion. Although the three men were hit by fragments, their wounds were not serious. Private Beard’s brave action deflected fragments that would have caused dangerous injuries to members of his party.