The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Leonard H. Shepherd (ASN: 0-1081785), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 24 January 1945, at Kaltenhouse, France, when a heavy artillery and mortar barrage disrupted communications between his command post and the platoons of his company during an enemy attack, Lieutenant Shepherd went out in the face of the enemy fire to check on the position of the right flank. After administering first aid under fire to one of his men who had been wounded, he proceeded to the right flank platoon where he ascertained its situation. On his return Lieutenant Shepherd was so severely wounded by shell fragments that he was carried back to his command post but, in spite of his wounds, continued to command his company until evacuated.