Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

91st Infantry Division

Awarded on:

March 9th, 1942

General Orders No. 15
Captain Henry D. Leitner of the 91st division was awarded the Silver star for gallantry in action on January 19, 1942, at Bataan Phillippine Islands along with other awards.
Citation;
"The Silver Star Citation is awarded Captain Henry D. Leitner, Infantry, USAFFE, for gallantry in action on January 19, 1942, against an armed enemy of the United States. On this date Captain Leitner was in command of Company D, 92nd Infantry, (PA), USAFFE, operating in the jungle north of K.P. 170 on the Moron-Bagac Road, Bataan, P.I., Being informed that hostile units had penetrated to his right rear, cutting off communications to the rear, he immediately led a machine gun platoon and a section volunteer riflemen through the jungle and over mountainous terrain to a position to place flanking fire on the hostile position. Throughout the entire afternoon in face of hostile fire, Captain Leitner, with utter disregard for his personal safety, personally directed the fir and emplacement of his guns. By this tireless energy, his ability to lead, the above gallant act resulted in the efforts of further penetration by the enemy in his area to be greatly retarded."