The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Ernest M. Stallings (ASN: 0-420347), 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 21 February 1945 in Germany. On that date, while leading his rifle company in an assault through heavy woods near Freilingenhoke, Germany, Captain Stallings observed an enemy tank in a clearing to his front. Deploying the company, he moved forward to appraise the situation and located eight enemy tanks. While withdrawing to contact and register friendly artillery on the enemy he was observed and fired on by the Germans and in the resulting fire fight killed an enemy tank commander. Later, by registering accurate fire on the enemy position, Captain Stallings destroyed three tanks and drove off the remainder. His courage, initiative, 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.