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 [then Staff Sergeant] Mansel Davidson (ASN: 34024918), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944, in Germany. Technical Sergeant Davidson was in command of a machine gun section attached to an infantry unit making a thrust at the strongly fortified Siegfried Line. During the heavy fighting, Technical Sergeant Davidson frequently exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire to personally observe and direct the fire of his section. He continually displaced his section forward with the attacking infantry troops, and when it had been greatly depleted by casualties, he personally manned one of the machine guns. The aggressiveness and inspiring leadership displayed by Technical Sergeant Davidson were an important factor in the successful completion of the mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical Sergeant Davidson, 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.