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) Vernon C. Spellman (ASN: 0-1017600), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 14 November 1944. While leading his tank platoon in support of an infantry attack on **** Ridge, Lorraine, France, Lieutenant Spellman’s tank was penetrated by enemy fire which killed one member of the crew and seriously wounded the gunner. Disregarding the concentrations of artillery and mortar fire and direct anti-tank crossfire, Lieutenant Spellman evacuated the wounded gunner through the escape hatch and, carrying the wounded man on his back, crawled several hundred yards to a shell hole where he rendered first aid. He remained there until darkness, then again placed the wounded gunner on his back and crawled approximately a thousand yards to an aid station. Lieutenant Spellman’s intrepid action at the risk of his life saved the life of the wounded gunner and reflects the highest credit upon his character as an officer.