The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leo C. Kaldem (ASN: 36780096), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium on 6 and 7 January 1945. Sergeant Kaldem, while serving as squad leader in his mortar section, bravely exposed himself to enemy sniper fire while advancing to an observation point on a hill to determine the defensive positions of the Germans in some nearby houses. While returning to his mortar section to transmit the information, an enemy machine gun opened fire on him. Sergeant Kaldem located their position after a brief reconnaissance and then returned to his lines and obtained an automatic rifle. He cautiously crawled to within 50 yards of the enemy emplacement and after vigorously and accurately firing his weapon he killed one of the gunners, wounded the other and captured their machine gun. This daring action permitted Sergeant Kaldem to maintain his observation point from which he later adjusted artillery fire on enemy strong points, completely destroying them. The accomplishment of this courageous act permitted Sergeant Kalden’s company to advance and secure their objective. By his gallant action Sergeant Kaldem reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.