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 First Class Leo J. Kotta, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Pacific Theater of Operations on 19 February 1944. When his platoon was pinned down by enemy fire from concealed positions, Private First Class Kotta, acting without orders, and with utter disregard for his personal safety, and worked his way forward, located enemy positions and threw grenades into three, destroying the enemy and removing camouflage from other positions. By this action of Private First Class Kotta, his platoon was able to advance and accomplish its mission. 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 and the United States Army.