The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Austin H. Bayer, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an Armed enemy while serving with the 1st Armored Division in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in 1942 and 1943. The tank crew of which Corporal Bayer was a member received word that seven enemy tanks were attacking a command post and artillery positions which were withdrawing to a new position. Their tank was the only friendly tank in the vicinity, but without hesitation it moved to protect the helpless unarmored vehicles and engaged the enemy tanks unaided and alone. It destroyed four of the enemy tanks and secured the withdrawal of the friendly column. But for the gallant action of this tank crew, the command post and a battalion of artillery would have been overrun by the hostile tanks. The gallant action and devotion to duty of this tank crew is an inspiration to all, worthy of the finest traditions of the armed forces and deserving of the highest praise.