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 (Infantry) Earnest A. Shelton (ASN: 0-414503), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 January 1945 in France. A strong enemy attack consisting of tanks, flame throwers, and infantry forced a penetration of friendly defense lines in Rittershoffen and caused a slight withdrawal. Realizing the importance of the lost positions, Lieutenant Shelton and two other men picked their way through the rubble of the town carrying a case of hand grenades. Finding the door of the house which formed the strongpoint of the enemy penetration barred, the three men ore it from its hinges and threw grenade after grenade into the house, killing seven enemy, capturing three, and forcing ten others to withdraw. This action enabled friendly troops to reoccupy former positions and prevent the enemy from exploiting the penetration. The courage displayed by Lieutenant Shelton reflects highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.