The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Neil A. Hagans (ASN: 35313086), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 November 1944. On that date, the infantry platoon, of which Staff Sergeant Hagans was a squad leader, had the mission of attacking and clearing a town of the enemy. Staff Sergeant Hagans had the duty of advancing along the side of a friendly tank and directing fire. Shortly after entering the town, he was seriously wounded by a shell fragment. With disregard for his own wound and with a magnificent display of cool courage, he continued to move forward with the tank and directed both the fire of that vehicle and the advance of the squad he was leading. While thus progressing, an enemy soldier fired a bazooka charge which barely missed the tank. Staff Sergeant Hagans immediately killed the German soldier and prevented any further bazooka fire at the armored vehicle. He then proceeded to continue with his mission until his wound became so painful and weakening that evacuation was necessitated. His fine leadership, great courage, and tremendous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.