The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Larue Cantrell (ASN: 0-550929), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 255th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division. On 7 February 1945, in the vicinity of Woelfling, France, while an element of this officer’s organization was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire, Lieutenant Cantrell, on his own initiative, joined the attacking group and assisted in knocking out the enemy position, killing one and causing two to surrender. He later joined the ensuing fire-fight, skillfully directing mortar fire, which, during two subsequent counter attacks, aided in slowing and finally repulsing the enemy. Lieutenant Cantrell’s magnificent courage and utter disregard for personal safety resulted in the capture of enemy terrain. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.