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 Leonard H. Dennison (ASN: 34281879), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 4 February 1945, near ****, Germany. Private First Class Dennison, machine gunner, set up his machine gun in an open unprotected position so that he could lay fire on an enemy pillbox in the Siegfried Line from which the Germans had seriously wounded his company commander who lay in an exposed position. His covering fire enabled medical men to reach the company commander, administer first aid, and evacuate him. After the commander had been evacuated, he kept up the covering fire, allowing friendly troops to flank the pillbox and eliminate it. His quick thinking and courageous, unselfish action undoubtedly saved the life of the company commander and led to the knocking out of a vital enemy fortification. 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 and the United States Army.