The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Leondis (Leonidas) C. Buck (ASN: 35405492), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 June 1944, in France. While serving as assistant forward observer in a hastily established observation post in a building in the city of Cherbourg, Sergeant Buck remained at his post while it was under direct fire from enemy small arms, machine guns, and artillery. He was forced to leave the post on two occasions because of direct hits but each time he returned to continue his task. His devotion to duty and courage under the most hazardous circumstances reflect highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.