The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Audrey Hamlin (ASN: 6659730), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 24 November 1944, near Gaggio Montana, Italy. Sergeant John McFarland and Corporal Audrey Hamlin, members of an artillery observation party, continued on their mission when their officer in charge was wounded, set up the observation post, and brought fire upon an enemy infantry attack developing against a friendly infantry company. When the infantry was unable to withstand the weight of the enemy attack and fell back, leaving the observation post and several friendly light tanks unprotected, Sergeant McFarland and Corporal Hamlin remained in observation, directing fire on the enemy and in defense of the tanks which were in peril of being surrounded and captured by enemy infantry. Sergeant McFarland and Corporal Hamlin remained at their post, under direct and intense fire from tanks, mortars, and machine guns, for four hours, after which they were superceded in command by the arrival of an officer replacement. Their courage, loyalty, devotion to duty, and complete disregard for their own welfare in the face of great danger speaks highly, both for them and for their organization, and is deserving of the highest praise.