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 (Field Artillery) Leland L. Rice (ASN: 0-538294), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 28 September 1944, in France. Lieutenant Rice was Forward Observer for his artillery battalion and occupied an observation post jointly with the supported infantry battalion. During an attack by enemy tanks and infantry Lieutenant Rice, disregarding his own personal safety, continued to adjust the fire of his battalion on the main attacking force although the leading tanks were strafing his observation post and operating to his rear. Lieutenant Rice, by his acts of heroism, was instrumental in conducting artillery fire which broke up the attack and caused the enemy to withdraw after suffering losses of personnel and materiel. The courage, devotion to duty, and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Lieutenant Rice reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.