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 Eugene W. Bentley (ASN: 34590946), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. When an enemy machine gun emplaced in a house halted the advance of his company near Wickerschwihr, France, on the evening of 28 January 1945, Private First Class Bentley picked up the rifle and grenades of a fallen comrade to knock out the enemy opposition. Running and crawling to within 50 yards of the house, Private First Class Bentley shot three grenades into the enemy strongpoint killing the crew of three. He then went forward and captured nine others in one of the rooms. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.