The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Leroy Linnstaedter (ASN: 38059049), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 27th Infantry Division near Nafutan Point, Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 21 June 1944. While in action against enemy machine guns, Private First Class Linnstaedter kept his mortar in action when the situation was such that in order to feed the weapon he had to expose himself to heavy enemy fire that was being directed at his position. Engaged at this task he was killed by enemy fire, but his actions helped to knock out one of the enemy machine guns. His courage inspired the assault elements and contributed materially in the subsequent knocking out of the enemy stronghold.