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 Private First Class Laurel C. Mitchell (ASN: 6154124), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 3 March 1945, at Hartungshof, Germany. On that date, Private First Class Mitchell rushed through intense enemy machine pistol and machine gun fire to evacuate wounded men from a building. His great courage in moving from a place of comparative safety to an area of extreme danger to perform this mission is in accord with the finest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, the 63d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Laurel C. Mitchell (ASN: 6154124), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. Private First Class Mitchell’s squad was held up by enemy machine gun fire. Running from the house where his squad had taken cover, he opened fire on the enemy with his sub-machine gun, forming a base of fire that allowed his squad to advance and destroy the enemy’s position. Private First Class Mitchell was killed in this action. The outstanding gallantry and courage displayed by Private First Class Mitchell reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.