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 David A. Dicks (ASN: 33688871), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 11 February 1945 in Germany. While occupying a reverse slope position near Biesdorf, Germany, on 11 February 1945, Staff Sergeant Dicks, with two companions, was ordered to establish an outpost on the forward slope, assuring the company of ample warning in case of an attack. While moving into position all three men were painfully wounded by shell fragments. Despite their injuries they continued on their mission. Observing an enemy attack forming, Staff Sergeant Dicks elected to fight rather than to attempt a withdrawal. Holding back until ten yards intervened, they fired, killing seventeen, wounding eight, and putting the remaining enemy to flight. Remaining in position throughout the night, he continued with the company in a dawn attack. Staff Sergeant Dicks’ courage, aggressiveness, 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.