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 Ned Austin, Jr. (ASN: 38543039), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 662d Quartermaster Truck Company, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 April 1945, in Germany. Private First Class Austin’s comrade was wounded in the leg while engaging in a fire fight with a large group of the enemy. When surrounded by an additional force of the enemy, the wounded man wanted to surrender. Determined to escape from their precarious situation, Private First Class Austin fearlessly led his wounded comrade through the enemy lines to an aid station. His gallant actions prevented the wounded man from being taken captive and reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.