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 Delva M. Spurlin (ASN: 35827543), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 142d Engineer Combat Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 3 April 1945, at Wurzburg, Germany. While making a crossing of the Main River at Wurzburg, Private Spurlin, a member of an assault boat crew, was seriously wounded by an enemy round which entered his back with a paralyzing effect, rendering him unable to continue paddling the boat. Still being able to speak and disregarding the shock and pain he felt, he continued to encourage and instruct the infantrymen to man the boat until they reached the far shore. Private Spurlin’s courage and devotion to duty were an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and aided materially to the establishment of the bridgehead.