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 Earl Ball (ASN: 17010396), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 3d Reconnaissance Troop, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily. On ** July 1943, Private First Class Bal was a .50 caliber gunner on the lead jeep of a three-vehicle reconnaissance patrol operating three miles south of *****, Sicily. While held up by a blown out bridge, his patrol was surprised by four enemy light tanks. Although twice knocked from his gunner’s position by the force of light cannon high explosive shells striking his vehicle, he returned to his post in the face of furious enemy fire which riddled the vehicle in which he was riding. Despite a jammed gun he remained behind it constantly trying to get it into action, leaving his post in the face of furious enemy fire which riddled the vehicle in which he was riding. Despite a jammed gun he remained behind it constantly trying to get it into action, leaving his post only on orders of his wounded platoon leader. With four of the six members of the patrol wounded and held to the ground by heavy enemy machine gun fire, Private First Class Ball worked his way around the tracks through the field of fire to warn the remainder of his platoon from running into the trap. That mission accomplished, he found Medical Corps aid men and guided them to where his wounded officer and comrades lay under cover of cactus along the road ditch. His devotion to duty, gallantry, and coolness under extremely heavy fire, and his spirit of self-sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.