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 First Class [then Private] Arthur L. Coffin (ASN: 20702036), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. When intense enemy artillery and mortar fire knocked out the seven-man crew of a mortar position in Riedwihr, France, on the afternoon of 27 January 1945, Private First Class Coffin re-manned the gun. Alone he continued to fight although hostile shells, zeroed in on adjacent buildings, continued to strike as close as 20 feet from him. He registered in and with three rounds destroyed an enemy machine gun and its three-man crew located 400 yards in front of the observation post. For over half-an-hour Private First Class Coffin single-handedly manned the heavy mortar, firing over 35 rounds on other targets of opportunity. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.