The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Orvan E. Stevens (ASN: 37734759), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division. On 27 February 1945 near Kohlhutte, France, Private Stevens, a new reinforcement, seeing action for the first time, was a member of a thirty-four man combat patrol, which encountered strong enemy opposition. As the patrol came under heavy fire from enemy small arms, grenades, machine guns, and mortars, Private Stevens was wounded in the arm and leg by the explosion of an enemy grenade, which also smashed his rifle. Although ordered by his squad leader to withdraw, he insisted upon remaining with the patrol in spite of his wounds. Taking the BAR from a wounded man, he loaded and fired with one hand, covering the evacuation of the wounded and the withdrawal of the main body of the patrol. Continuing to fire until the BAR jammed, he withdrew, carrying the weapon and the remainder of the ammunition with him. His courageous act was primarily responsible for the safe return to our lines of every member of the patrol.