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 Leon Levine (ASN: 36873969), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Chemical Mortar Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 20 – 21 March 1945, in Germany. On the night of 20 – 21 March 1945, a section of the 1st Platoon, Company C, *** Chemical Mortar Battalion, was emplaced at the crossroads near Obr Olm, Germany. An enemy patrol of about 50 men surrounded and attacked the building in which the mortarmen were sleeping. Private First Class Levine gave the alarm before the building was subjected to heavy bazooka, machine gun and small arms fire. In the heat of battle, Private First Class Levine, on his own volition, left the comparative safety of the building and aided in taking four prisoners who he questioned as to the strength and nature of the attacking force. The information obtained was instrumental in smashing the enemy’s attack. The courage, initiative, and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by P:one Levine reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.