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 Ernest W. McNeir (ASN: 32604214), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 692d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 19 March 1945 near Ludwigswinkel, Germany. Private McNeir, a gunner in a tank destroyer, was advancing with his destroyer in support of Infantry when mortar and artillery fire from the Seigfried Line wounded several of the infantrymen. Dismounting from his tank destroyer, although it was under fire, Private McNeir rushed to the aid of the wounded and carried several seriously injured men 75 yards across an open area to a covered position. Crossing a courtyard under mortar fire to reach his destroyer and obtain medical supplies he was wounded in the arm but continued on, secured medical supplies and returned to assist the wounded. His courage and devotion to duty saved the lives of several seriously injured men.