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 (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Leonard Harmon, Jr. (ASN: 0-1702988), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 12 November 1943, near ****, Italy. Second Lieutenant Harmon, Acting Platoon Leader, led his platoon in the initial assault wave up the heavily mined slopes of Hill 1017 under heavy fire and personally knocked out a machine gun nest at the very crest of the hill. While organizing his defenses for an imminent counterattack, Second Lieutenant Harmon observed an American soldier being escorted to the German lines by two enemy soldiers. Unhesitatingly, Second Lieutenant Harmon and an enlisted man sped over the top of the hill deep into German territory, killed one of the Germans and wounded the other, rescued the captive American soldier, and returned safely to the American lines, capturing two more Germans en route. Second Lieutenant Harmon’s initiative, devotion to duty, and unsparing efforts made him an outstanding example to all of those with whom he served. 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.