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 Bernhard A. Stensler (ASN: 39044206), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the armed enemy at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 28 February 1945. A party of eight men sent out to secure water from a nearby stream was fired on by the enemy. Three members of the group were wounded, two were killed, and the remainder sought cover. Staff Sergeant Stensler, who was leading a carrying party close by, immediately, upon witnessing the action and with total disregard for his personal safety, rushed to the aid of the wounded men, necessitating his crossing 300 yards of open terrain which was under continuous enemy fire. Upon reaching one of the wounded men, he dragged him approximately 100 yards to a covered position, where he administered first aid. Sergeant Stensler’s heroism was instrumental in saving his comrade’s life and greatly inspired those who witnessed his actions.