The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Leonard Hodges (ASN: 39172763), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 22 September 1944 near ****, Holland. Staff Sergeant Hodges, Platoon Sergeant, Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, led a patrol in a desperate effort to contact an outposted roadblock which was surrounded and in danger of annihilation. Heavy enemy opposition was encountered about 300 yards from the beleaguered position. Staff Sergeant Hodges led an aggressively vigorous assault against the enemy and pushed them back. With one machine gun, captured machine pistols and several rifles, he established a strong-point. With one other man, he charged the enemy and put them to rout with his Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, killing eight and capturing eight and succeeding in reestablishing contact with the isolated roadblock. Staff Sergeant Hodges’ heroic achievements resulting from sound leadership, combined with indomitable courage, have established him in the hearts of the men he led and those he rescued as one of the most gallant soldiers in a company of brave men. 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.