The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph H. Ebner (ASN: 31303948), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 197th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 March 1945, in Germany. Sergeant Ebner, serving as a reconnaissance sergeant, accompanies an infantry assault force across the Rhine river. On reaching the east bank of the river the enemy opened fire and also subjected them to hand grenades, wounding Sergeant Ebner and several of his comrades and killing another. Realizing the seriousness of one of his comrade’s wounds, Sergeant Ebner placed him in a boat and returned across the river, amid intense fire. He then made his way through the unabating fire to an adjacent position, secured aid men, and led them back to his wounded comrade. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Ebner, 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.