The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Archie D. Leeds (ASN: 20724768), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 19 November 1944. During the attack on the village of **** by elements of the **** Infantry Regiment, their Cannon Company was called upon to deliver exceptionally close supporting fire. Corporal Leeds accompanied the forward observer to the foremost point in the advance and assisted in the establishment of an observation post. When telephone communication between this observation post and the forward gun positions were disrupted by enemy shelling, Corporal Leeds made his way through a heavy artillery barrage to a radio position, established contact with the Cannon Sections and directed the fire of his unit upon the enemy. He then returned to his observation post and continued to adjust the fire of supporting field artillery units. Corporal Leeds was killed in a later action. His intrepid bravery in the face of the most intense enemy artillery fire and unusual devotion to duty reflect high credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the military service.