The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Irving R. Short (ASN: 0-2006207), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 1 April 1945 near Wertheim, Germany. During the action near Wertheim, Germany, an Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon of which Lieutenant Short was commanding officer, encountered heavy machine gun fire from a greatly superior enemy force. By his skillful leadership, he repulsed several strong enemy attacks and then ordered a withdrawal. When intense enemy fire prevented the withdrawal to a nearby woods, Lieutenant Short, although wounded during the action, boldly led his men into an adjoining town to a barn, where they remained until daylight. His courage and aggressive leadership played a major role in the successful withdrawal of the platoon.