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 Eric F. Leitner (ASN: 6830006), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battle Patrol, Headquarters Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 26 March 1944, at 0200 hours, near Ponte Rotto, Italy, Sergeant Leitner led four men 300 yards over exposed, flat terrain in an attack on a house used as an enemy observation post. Sergeant Leitner personally crept within 35 yards of the house and surprised an enemy machine gun nest, dispatched one enemy captured a second and assisted in killing three others as they attempted to escape. Subsequently, although outnumbered 3-to-1, by the skillful use of false orders shouted in German, Sergeant Leitner caused an enemy force to retreat from the observation post. The entire operation resulted in the seizure of the house, the death of 4 Germans and the capture of another, all without loss to the patrol. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.