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 Leo J. Boulard (ASN: 31187826), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 197th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1944, in France. While Private Boulard and a companion were removing ammunition for their howitzer from its containers, the enemy trained counter-battery fire on their position, the first shell bursting in a tree above their heads and showering the vicinity with shell fragments. Instead of seeking shelter, Private Boulard’s first thought was to protect the ammunition. Undaunted by several more shells which burst as close as twenty yards from them as they worked, he and his companion carried all ammunition to a place of safety, and only when this operation was successfully completed did they seek shelter for themselves. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Boulard, 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.