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 Andrew E. Pristas (ASN: 13022578), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division near Pinamopoani, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 5 and 6 November 1944. On 5 November 1944, Sergeant Pristas was commanding a platoon of heavy .30 caliber machine guns, when two companies of the battalion were cut off by the enemy. In the face of enemy fire and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Pristas went from machine gun to machine gun of his platoon, checking on ammunition and targets, steadying, and instilling confidence in his men. When withdrawal was ordered after three enemy attacks on the night of 5 – 6 November 1944, he remained behind with one section of his machine guns to cover the withdrawal of his company, firing upon the advancing enemy for fully one-half hour and successfully carrying out his mission. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty in the face of enemy fire is worthy of the highest traditions of the military service.