The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Firman L. Cunningham (ASN: 0-1054090), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 10 April 1945 in Germany. During an attack on Schmira, Germany, on 10 April 1943, an enemy machine gun prevented the weapons platoon led by Lieutenant Cunningham from establishing firing positions to support the advance. Lieutenant Cunningham and his platoon runner crawled to within thirty yards of the enemy. Lieutenant Cunningham fired at the enemy machine gun to draw its fire while his runner assaulted with grenades, destroying the gun and crew. The courage, aggressive leadership, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cunningham were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.