The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Avery M. Strickland (ASN: 34000652), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 692d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 11 April 1945 near Furth, Germany. In order to support an Infantry attack, Sergeant Strickland, tank destroyer commander, made his way on foot through intense hostile fire to the leading scout of the infantry unit to reconnoiter for positions. Again through enemy fire, he made his way back to his destroyer, moved into position and demolished three enemy machine guns which had temporarily halted the Infantry. As a result of his courageous act the Infantry unit advanced and seized its objective.