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 Leroy Batson (ASN: 16055762), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action on 16 July 1944, near ****, Normandy, France. A message was received that a wounded American soldier was lying in an enemy mine field about 600 yards south of the village of ****, exposed to heavy enemy fire. Private Batson, a surgical technician, volunteered, with two officers and another surgical technician, to enter the mine field for the purpose of rescuing the wounded man. Successful entry was made into the mined area under heavy concentrations of enemy fire; the wounded soldier was picked up and the rescue party started to carry him to safety. They had almost cleared the area when a mine exploded, killing one of the offices and the other technician, and seriously injuring the other officer and Private Batson. Inasmuch as the explosion took place at the edge of the mine field area, rescue was effected, since nearby comrades were able immediately to come forward and drag all injured personnel to safety. His dauntless courage, above and beyond the call of duty, his willingness to risk his life to save a comrade, is an outstanding tribute to Private Batson and the Medical Corps.