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 Andrew C. Poling (ASN: 15090526), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 9 October 1944, about one-half mile from ****, Holland. During the attack by Company F against an enemy wooded strongpoint fortified by a camouflaged pillbox and several machine guns, the lead squad of the assault platoon successfully pierced the enemy positions but was almost immediately surrounded and cut off from the remainder of the platoon. A runner who was seriously wounded en route returned from the beleaguered squad to the platoon command post with a request for further orders. The platoon leader made the decision to withdraw the isolated squad and asked for a volunteer to carry the order forward. Private Poling, rifleman in one of the follow-up- squads, unhesitatingly volunteered to make the hazardous trip. En route he was wounded twice, the second time by a machine gun bullet which graded his temple and caused him to temporarily lose consciousness, but he negotiated the approximately 200 yard trip through the enemy lines and delivered the message. He then led the squad to the rear over a route which his reconnaissance had determined to be the least hazardous. By his heroic actions and aggressive conduct, Private Poling exemplified the highest standards of the military forces.