The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leon G. Bonner (ASN: 33546475), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945 in France. The 2d Platoon received the mission of passing through the position of another friendly unit which had been halted in its advance by heavy machine gun fire. After advancing 50 yards further the men were pinned down by fire from the same enemy weapon. Private First Class Bonner volunteered for the hazardous mission of destroying the hostile machine gun. As two comrades delivered covering rifle fire, he dashed from tree to tree and crawled along the ground until close to the enemy position. Then, quickly rushing the position in the face of the enemy fire, he killed the two Germans manning the gun and put their weapon out of action. Private First Class Bonner’s courageous and aggressive act enabled the members of his platoon to continue their advance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.