The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ira P. Stewart (ASN: 17045729), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company A, 13th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action on 1 April 1945, in the vicinity of Siegen, Germany. When his platoon was pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire, Sergeant Stewart, with complete disregard for his own safety, charged the machine gun nest and successfully knocked it out, killing three of the enemy and wounding one. Although wounded, he refused to be evacuated and continued on with his men in the attack. Sergeant Stewart’s outstanding courage and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.