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 E. Rupp (ASN: 6246015), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 232d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 16 March 1945 near Reipertswiller, France. Sergeant Rupp was laying wire for his Company during the attack on Hill 301, near Reipertswiller, France, on 16 March 1945, when the enemy placed a heavy concentration of fire on our troops, causing numerous casualties and retarding the advance. Dropping his roll of wire, Sergeant Rupp joined his Company Commander and helped him lead the assault in the face of intense enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire. In spite of a severe wound in his left leg from a Schu-mine, Sergeant Rupp attacked and knocked out a German machine gun position. As he was the only available lineman, Sergeant Rupp refused to be evacuated and, remaining with his Company until he was unable to walk further, maintained communications throughout the attack. His courageous leadership and unfailing devotion to duty served to inspire the other members of his Company and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the armed services of the United States.