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 Leo J. Kohlrieser (ASN: 35135282), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 3 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. Staff Sergeant Kohlrieser, 60-mm. Mortar Section Leader, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, displayed high courage and initiative in the employment of his mortar section two hundred yards behind the forward lines. He directed fire from an exposed OP under enemy small arms fire and continuous artillery and adjusted fire so accurately that he knocked out machine gun nests which had pinned down the two companies he was supporting. His cool and competent work, performed under difficult circumstances, enabled these companies to successfully attain their objectives with minimum casualties. Staff Sergeant Kohlrieser’s courage and conduct were a credit to the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.