The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Leo H. Napton (ASN: 37163192), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. Sergeant Napton’s platoon was participating in an assault upon the enemy near Bayombong on 7 June 1945, when the tanks which were in close support of his unit drew anti-tank fire. The first enemy shell caused several casualties, and Sergeant Napton noticed one injured comrade well out in the open exposed to the Japanese fire. Dashing through the intense fire, he managed to drag the casualty to a sheltered position in a creek bed from which evacuation could be safely effected. Although slightly wounded while on this rescue mission, Sergeant Napton returned to the battlefield, reorganized his platoon, and continued in the advance against the enemy. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.