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 Sergeant Oal L. Hutchison (ASN: 18028714), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 863d Field Artillery Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 15 February 1945, in the vicinity of Bliesbrucken Wald, France. Volunteering as field artillery observer in an attack, Sergeant Hutchison, without regard for his personal safety and under small arms, artillery and mortar fire, moved forward through an enemy minefield to fulfill his mission. During this heroic action, Sergeant Hutchison contacted an enemy mine and was killed instantly. His sacrifice and outstanding courage remain as a lasting inspiration to members of his organization and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.