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 Leland E. Mock, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 34th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, in December 1943. During the engagement of his Infantry Company with the enemy, several members of Private Mock’s platoon were ambushed and pinned down by machine pistol fire. While Private Mock was attempting to help relieve his platoon, he was wounded in the shoulder by machine pistol fire. Although wounded, he continued in action until he received a direct order to return t the rear for medical attention. On his way to the rear, he was intercepted by a company officer, who was trying to determine the exact location of the enemy, and he volunteered to return with the officer to an exposed area where friendly machine guns were in position and there he assisted in directing the fire upon the cleverly camouflaged enemy. Private Mock’s 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.