The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Derald L. Schaeffer (ASN: 0-1298137), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Service Company, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action in France during the period 11 October 1944 to 3 December 1944. As platoon leader, he consistently demonstrated courage of a high caliber. Much of his reconnaissance work was done at night when he found it tactically necessary to operate deep within enemy lines. Wounded near Henriville, France, on 3 December 1944, while on a lone reconnaissance mission, he succeeded in completing his mission of fathering vital information and reporting it before accepting medical treatment. His gallant actions emulate the finest traditions of the fighting Infantryman.