The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Christian Rudolph Arthur Lehne, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Chaplain with Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, in action in Italy, on 3 September 1943. Chaplain Lehne landed at Salerno with the Infantry in the third wave of the invasion and worked unceasingly with the medics in caring for the wounded and removing the dead under withering fire on the beaches. For two days, with little sleep or rest, he gave spiritual aid to the wounded under intense artillery, mortar, and small arms fire, and made frequent trips to the beaches from the front lines. His care and spiritual administrations eased the dying moments of many of his fighting comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Lehne, 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.