The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Harry E. Womble (ASN: 37145078), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 27 September 1944. After an enemy counterattack had forced his mortar section to withdraw, Sergeant Womble, a squad leader, established a new position, after which, assisted by another noncommissioned officer, he attempted to return to the previous position in order to recover the weapons carrier and other valuable equipment. He was wounded slightly by mortar fire, but determinedly continued on his mission. Reaching his destination, Sergeant Womble and his companion were driving the vehicle from the area when enemy tank fire killed him and his companion. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Womble, his fortitude and devotion to duty, are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.