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 Gilbert W. Fell (ASN: 35402729), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 26 February 1945 near Althorn, France. Sergeant Fell was leading a 24-man combat patrol near Althorn, France, when it encountered a greatly superior enemy force and was subjected to heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire. Ordering the patrol to withdraw, Sergeant Fell remained behind to direct and cover the movement. When one of his men was wounded in the head by enemy fire, Sergeant Fell and another man administered first aid and carried him more than 400 yards under intense mortar fire to our lines. While doing so the other man was struck in the neck and became paralyzed. After easing his pain, Sergeant Fell dragged both wounded men more than 50 yards to a foxhole, where they were given first aid, and then helped carry them back to our lines. Under the courageous leadership of Sergeant Fell the patrol secured valuable information concerning enemy strength, locations, and dispositions and inflicted eight enemy casualties. His unfailing devotion to duty and to his men was reflected in the saving of the lives of two of his men and is worthy of the highest praise.