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 Leroy E. Meier (ASN: 17143452), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 25 April 1945, in the vicinity of Gunsburg, Germany. Volunteers were called for to form a patrol and clear out the woods on the flank of town. Private First Class Meier, in charge of the patrol, successfully crossed open terrain under a full moon without being detected by the enemy and completely disorganized the nest. After a short fire fight they became so demoralized that they surrendered. Because of the skillful handling of his patrol of four men, they captured fifteen of the enemy. The gallantry in action displayed by Private First Class Meier reflects the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.