The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Leo Hetman (ASN: 32194655), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), in action in New Guinea, on 15 September 1943. On that date an infantry platoon was cornered near Lae, New Guinea, by enemy snipers and machine gunners. On his own initiative, Private First Class Hetman crawled forward, killed three snipers and freed the platoon. In doing so, he was mortally wounded and died shortly after. 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.