The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Leslie A. Fick (ASN: 35016701), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. During a sudden and determined enemy counterattack, Private Fick in the absence of his platoon leader and noncommissioned officers, reorganized his platoon and led it in a successful attack. Later, despite heavy enemy fire, he successfully destroyed an enemy machine gun position. 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.