The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Levi H. Belflower (ASN: 20403659), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 4 December 1944 in France. On that date, Staff Sergeant Belflower, while serving as the platoon sergeant of a heavy weapons platoon, assumed command upon the evacuation of the wounded platoon leader. The advance at this time was strongly opposed and the crew of one of the machine guns of the platoon was disabled by enemy mortar fire. Staff Sergeant Belflower, under direct enemy observation and in the face of raking fire, crawled to the machine gun position. He then proceeded to operate the weapon without assistance and soon by his fire disposed of two harassing enemy machine guns. Later, with a comrade, he displaced the gun to a new position and continued to support the assault. His gallant leadership and untiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.