The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Harold Sterling (ASN: 32504998), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 68th Coast Artillery Regiment, in action during the Italian Campaign, on 3 April 1944. On that date, a soldier was wounded during an intense shelling of Private Sterling’s anti-aircraft battery position. Under shellfire he rushed to apply a tourniquet and bandages and then carried the soldier to the Command Post. Returning to the field, he took shelter in a nearby foxhole. At this time another series of shells burst in the battery area and seeing another soldier fall to the ground wounded, he once more left his place of shelter to go to his aid. It was during this gallant act that he was killed by shell fragments. Private Sterling’s courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.