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 Loren E. Hodgkiss (ASN: 33365236), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On 12 August 1943, in the vicinity of Randazzo, Sicily, Private First Class Hodgkiss, a member of an advance party from Regimental Headquarters Company sent forward to establish an advance communications switch, distinguished himself by his personal bravery and courage while under intense artillery fire from the enemy. After several vehicles had been destroyed by enemy mines and artillery fire, Private Hodgkiss, with complete disregard for personal safety, went to the aid of several members of the party who had been wounded. He assisted in carrying the wounded men to a protective ravine. Throughout a period of about six hours, Private First Class Hodgkiss steadfastly refused to leave the area of danger and materially assisted in saving the lives of his comrades. His devotion to duty under hazardous conditions was an inspiration to all who witnessed the action and his action is highly commendable.