The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Leland C. Heller (ASN: 16076777), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 26 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. Private Heller, Medical Aid Man, received word that two men had been seriously wounded near the German occupied town of ****. Under full enemy observation, within 200 yards of enemy positions, Private Heller went forward at the risk of his own personal safety. En route forward, the group was observed upon open terrain and a mortar barrage was laid down upon it. Private Heller was seriously wounded but still asked that others be treated and evacuated before him. His conduct in deliberately trying to cross observed terrain to help the wounded was a credit to the Medical Services and to the regiment. Private Heller died of the wounds he received in the above action. 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.