Leroy F. Thierolf

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leroy F. Thierolf (ASN: 19032169), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 25 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. Sergeant Thierolf, Squad Leader, Light Machine Gun Platoon, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, was sent with four men to dig machine gun positions overlooking the approaches to a roadblock that was being established on a road from that which was pierced by the battalion MLR. Before the positions were completed an attack was made by an estimated force of two battalions of Germans reinforced by several armored vehicles. Because his orders had been to dig the positions and await arrival of the machine gun, Sergeant Thierolf was determined to remain as ordered. He held his men and defended the position with rifle fire and a few grenades. The Germans made a frontal attack on his position and from the flanks. Some Germans were killed within 15 feet of the emplacement. Although their ammunition was running low, Sergeant Thierolf refused to withdraw and remained until the attack was repulsed and the enemy forced to retreat. His courage in a desperate situation and dogged resistance against great odds, reflect great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.