The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Leland C. McFarren (ASN: 35599932), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 25 February 1945, while serving with the 736th Tank Battalion in Germany. When his tank was set on fire by enemy artillery, Sergeant McFarren although seriously wounded in both legs succeeded in removing one of the injured members of the crew despite the fact that the tank’s ammunition was exploding, and the area was under heavy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. Sergeant McFarren’s outstanding and heroic courage and disregard for personal safety reflect the highest credit on himself and the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.