The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Leon J. McGowan (ASN: 33556699), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 613th Engineer LE Company, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 1 April 1945, in Germany. Technician Fifth Grade McGowan was engaged in the mission of moving a 4-ton truck, 8-ton trailer, and D-4 Traxcavator from Mittelbunchen, Germany top Schlitz, Germany. As the truck approached Altenstadt, Germany, it was brought under small arms fire from a machine gun to its left front. Technician Fifth Grade McGowan and the other members of his crew knocked out the enemy machine gun nest and continued on to Altenstadt where they found a burning gasoline truck blocking the road. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he and Technician Fifth Grade Clafshenkel unloaded the D-4 and removed the burning vehicle from the road. This operation was done under enemy observation and despite the probability that the enemy was completely surround them. It was due to Technician Fifth Grade McGowan’s strong sense of duty and personal bravery that vitally needed supplies were able to continue moving forward. 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 and the United States Army.