The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Leonard T. Puryear (ASN: 34463417), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action in Germany on 25 March 1945. When his platoon sergeant became a casualty, Sergeant Puryear assumed command of his platoon and organized and led a patrol in clearing three houses and capturing nine enemy. At this time, the enemy launched a counterattack spearheaded by tanks. Quickly organizing two bazooka teams, he manned one bazooka himself and exposed himself to withering enemy fire to destroy the lead tank with one well aimed bazooka round, forcing the remaining tanks to withdraw. He then led a furious assault on the remaining enemy soldiers, destroying them. The superb gallantry and leadership displayed by Sergeant Puryear are in keeping with the finest traditions of the American soldier and combat leader.