The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Melvin R. Anderson (ASN: 38590744), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 November 1944, in Germany. When one platoon of his company was pinned down by heavy hostile fire and casualties were suffered, a runner was sent forward with orders to withdraw. The runner carrying the message was seriously wounded and lay helpless in an exposed position. Maneuvering his way through the intense enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Anderson reached his wounded comrade and carried him to a place of safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Anderson, 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.