(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Private Deward R. Staples, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 4th Armored Division in the European Theater of Operations on 15 September 1944. When a German anti-tank shell crashed through the tank he was operating, killing two of his comrades and seriously injuring two others, Private Staples, despite his own wounds, carried the two injured men from the blazing tank and through heavy enemy machine gun fire to safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.