The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Otis C. Steele (ASN: 35079512), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 18 and 19 March 1945, at Schonau, Germany. During a heavy enemy artillery barrage at Schonau, Private Steele, Battalion messenger, left cover to answer a wounded man’s call for assistance, administered first aid, then carried him to cover. A few minutes later he again voluntarily responded to a call for help and assisted aid men in taking wounded to cover. The following day Private Steele distinguished himself again by braving another German artillery bombardment, giving aid to the wounded, improvising a litter, and helping evacuate wounded from surrounding buildings. This repeated risk of life on the part of Private Steele was responsible for the saving of several wounded men and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Rainbow Division.