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 Dean A. Gantenbein, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 84th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Limon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 28 November 1944. When a strong enemy force threatened the flank of an infantry company, Private Gantenbein, a member of an artillery forward observer party, left the company command post and hurried to the threatened portion of the line. He joined four infantrymen in a position exposed to heavy machine gun and rifle fire and placed accurate and effective fire on the enemy, killing four. When the enemy attack was momentarily halted, he moved forward to a new position beyond the perimeter and harassed the enemy until the flank was reinforced. Private Gantenbein, by his courageous action made possible the repulse of the enemy attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Gantenbein, 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.