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 Leon L. Kieffer (ASN: 37774048), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 43d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 May 1945. Private Kieffer and another comrade were in a foxhole on the company’s perimeter defense line. During the night the enemy attacked the line spearheading its main salient in the direction of Private Kieffer’s position. The fierceness of the enemy’s determined attack was so great that Private Kieffer’s position became imperiled. The adjacent foxhole to the left of Private Kieffer’s position became imperiled. The adjacent foxhole to the left of Private Kieffer’s position was over-run by the enemy, resulting in one dead and another seriously wounded. Two foxholes to the right of Private Kieffer’s position likewise suffered a similar fate, with one dead and three seriously wounded. Nevertheless, Private Kieffer and his comrade continued the bitter fight against great odds with inimitable courage and audacity, heaving grenades and delivering automatic fire. They held their position tenaciously, taking a toll of seven enemy lives and inflicting many casualties, and held off the enemy long enough to enable the company to rush more men to fill the open gaps. In this gallant and courageous act, Private Kieffer displayed admirable qualities of determination and dependability, and aided in a large measure to stave the fanatic charges of the enemy. 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.