The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Claude W. Ball (ASN: 33225839), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 and 12 February 1945. On 11 February 1945, near Biesdorf, Germany, Staff Sergeant Ball, an artillery radio operator, observed that an enemy direct fire weapon was delaying the infantry advance. Despite severe small arms fire he crawled well forward of friendly troops to a position from which he effectively registered fire on and destroyed the enemy gun. On the following day he again aided the attack by assuming the full duties of artillery observer and, despite the handicaps of hostile fire and radio failure, contributed immeasurably to the successful assault by his accurate fire. Staff Sergeant Ball’s courage, skill, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.