The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Fist Lieutenant Leon V. Pablo, Philippine Army, for gallantry in action in Bataan, Philippine Islands, on or about 12 February 1942. When a large force of Japanese broke through the main line of resistance along Trail 7 of the Pilar-Bagac Road and headed toward Mariveles, Lieutenant Pablo, in charge of a contingent of soldiers from Company F, 2d Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, mounted a tank and directed his men in a successful counterattack, which despite overwhelming odds, resulted in annihilation of the entire enemy force and restoration of the main line of resistance without loss of ground. By his undaunted courage and outstanding leadership, Lieutenant Pablo did much to prevent an early attack on Mariveles and its possible capture.