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 Earl Bradfield (ASN: 32921686), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 272d Infantry Regiment, 69th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 April 1945, in Germany. When an assault platoon of Company E was met by heavy machine gun and sniper fire while crossing open terrain, Staff Sergeant Bradfield was seriously wounded but continued to control his men who were pinned down. By crawling among them and rallying them forward he marked himself as a leader and the enemy concentrated their fire against him, wounding him again, this time fatally. Throughout the action. Staff Sergeant Bradfield displayed outstanding qualities of courage, leadership, and gallantry, reflecting the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.