The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Dan B. Shay (ASN: 0-106762), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division on Leyte, Philippine Islands on 23 December 1944. During an attack against the enemy, First Lieutenant Shaw personally led a squad of his platoon in a daring assault against a concealed enemy machine gun emplacement which threatened the security of the platoon’s right flank. The machine gun position was destroyed. First Lieutenant Shay’s courageous initiative and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.