The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry), [then Lieutenant Colonel] Henry Estil Royall, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion, 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Linnich, Germany, on 30 November and 1 December 1944. He led his battalion with a display of calm courage and fighting spirit to a successful capture of terrain features essential to a planned crossing of the Roer River. Exposing himself to ground fire in the forward rifle areas he furnished the example necessary to keep the battalion advancing. During the action he suffered severe shocks and concussions from enemy shell fire and was wounded by small arms fire. By his fearless leadership and devotion to duty, Colonel Royall fully upheld the finest traditions of the United States Infantry.