The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Leo J. Fitzmartin (ASN: 0-1315810), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 June 1944, near ****, France. When a part of his company was given the mission of clearing glider landing areas with the help of Sherman Tanks, and the advance was blocked for fourteen hours by enemy artillery fire, First Lieutenant Fitzmartin courageously opened the way single-handed. Under cover of small arms fire, he advanced to within grenade range of the cannon and killed and dispersed the entire crew. He then neutralized the gun by blowing the barrel with a grenade. This heroic action enabled the force to successfully accomplish its mission. First Lieutenant Fitzmartin’s courage and audacity was in keeping with the brave traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.