The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Cecil J. Cantrell (ASN: 38054527), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as a member of the 63d Armored Infantry Battalion, 11th Armored Division. On 31 December 1944, near ******, Sergeant Cantrell’s company became exposed to very heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, which inflicted numerous casualties. Throughout the heavy concentration of fire, Sergeant Cantrell, with utter disregard of personal safety, moved across the entire area, administering first aid to the wounded. On 1 January 1945, when committed to an attack, his company was pinned down by heavy sniper fire. Sergeant Cantrell, again displaying unflinching courage, walked forward in the face of the fire to a position where he observed two enemy snipers in foxholes. With rapid action, he fired at the snipers and killed them. He then returned and informed his company commander that the enemy was entrenched to their immediate front. While reporting to his company commander, Sergeant Cantrell was fatally wounded by sniper fire. The fearless devotion to duty, conscious heroism and the remarkable leadership displayed by Sergeant Cantrell was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.