The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leroy M. Thigpen (ASN: 7006145), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 19 February 1945, near Styring Wendel, France. When his company’s attack was temporarily halted by machine gun, mortar and small arms fire from hostile strong points situated in heavily wooded terrain, Sergeant Thigpen boldly leaped to his feet, shouting for his squad to follow. Firing and maneuvering as he charged, Sergeant Thigpen led his men forward, followed by other riflemen. As a result of his intrepid action, which was instrumental in his company’s successful attack, thirty-one enemy soldiers were captured and several others killed.