The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Vernon D. Hall (ASN: 0-551755), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 14 January 1945, near Ingolsheim, France. During the action around Ingolsheim, France, Lieutenant Hall led a combat patrol deep into enemy territory. Observing the position of an enemy pillbox, he advanced on the emplacement and destroyed it with grenades. He then led his men deeper into enemy territory cutting communications lines. Upon discovering an enemy command post, he knocked it out single-handed, with grenades. Attempting to gain entrance to the town, enemy machine gun fire struck several of his men. Lieutenant Hall then attempted to cover the withdrawal of the patrol, and in doing so was mortally wounded. His gallant conduct and unselfish devotion to duty in personally taking every risk in order to lessen the hazard for his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Services.