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 First Class Theodore Leja (ASN: 16060184), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 January, 1945. Private Leja, along with a fellow soldier, dashed four times across an open 75-yard area swept by a Japanese machine gun, rifle, mortar and artillery fire to evacuate a seriously wounded comrade from the field of battle. In accomplishing their brave deed, these men ran back to a battalion aid station, secured a litter, returned to the injured man, and carried him back to a position where medical treatment could be administered. Several times during their perilous journeys it was necessary for the two men to take cover from the intense enemy small arms fire, and throughout the period mortar and artillery shells fell in the area, some within 30 yards of the soldiers. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.