The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Earl D. McQuiston (ASN: 33253557), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 27 January 1945 in Luxembourg. Discovering a friendly patrol about to be overrun by a numerically superior enemy force, Staff Sergeant McQuiston voluntarily organized and led another group to assist this patrol. By deliberately exposing himself and cleverly deploying his men he succeeded in holding off the enemy until the patrol could occupy a more advantageous position. His leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.