The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Hugh E. Stoddard (ASN: 0-1168936), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy on ** April 1943, near ***, Tunisia. When enemy shell fire cut connections from the Observation Post to the Radio which was relaying observations to his battery some distance in the rear, Second Lieutenant Stoddard voluntarily exposed himself to great danger and possible death in order to re-establish connections with his Observation Post. As a result of his actions, his battery was able to fire on and silence the enemy artillery which had been shelling the Observation Post and supporting infantry. Second Lieutenant Stoddard’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect a high credit to himself and the military service.