The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps) Roy S. Averill, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Medical Officer with the 1st Armored Division during World War II. Captain Averill went beyond the call of duty to aid and succor men who had been wounded or who had been caught under enemy fire and were unable to get back for medical and surgical attention. Captain Averill worked his way through enemy machine gun fire, at times being forced to crawl, and removed eight men from a mine field to a place of safety where they could be treated. On another occasion, despite continued heavy shell fire and an enemy counter-attack on this position, he remained with the wounded men refusing to leave until they were evacuated. The outstanding courage, devotion to duty and concern for the welfare of the wounded with complete disregard for his own safety, displayed by Captain Averill, are in accord with the finest traditions of the Medical Corps and are deserving of the highest praise.