The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Leroy C. Cooper, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 17 November 1944. First Lieutenant Cooper was acting as a Forward Observer for a mortar section and advanced beyond the line at great risk and delivered orders for such accurate mortar fire that the enemy forces had to withdraw and may lives were saved among the rifle troops whose advance his unit was supporting. As a result of his accurate fire direction, a German counterattack was halted. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Cooper, 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.