The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Neal Bertelsen (ASN: 20153627), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 October 1944, in Germany. Technical Sergeant Bertelsen distinguished himself when, during a night advance by his company, he and a number of his men found themselves isolated from the remainder of their company and under direct artillery and small arms fire of the enemy. Instead of retiring to the safety of his own lines, Technical Sergeant Bertelsen insisted upon remaining in his exposed position in order to report the movements of the enemy and to direct artillery fire on their positions. For eight hours, while a fierce fire fight between friendly and enemy forces raged around him, Technical Sergeant Bertelsen dauntlessly held his ground and directed fire against the enemy with such telling effect that they were finally forced to withdraw. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Bertelsen, 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.