The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Lee C. Schlegel (ASN: 33111473), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, *** Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, on the morning of ** November 1943, in the vicinity of the **** River and *****, Italy. During a heavy enemy artillery barrage on his Company area, many casualties occurred. Sergeant Schlegel, in the face of this heavy fire and while under full enemy observation, crawled up a slippery and treacherous rise to the aid of three wounded men, administered first-aid and stayed with them until the barrage ceased. He then made two trips with the litter squads, aiding the evacuation of the men, before returning to resume command of his squad. Sergeant Slegel’s display of courage and initiative was an inspiration to the men of his platoon and a credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.