The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Ted E. Ellis (ASN: 20407038), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Division Artillery, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 20 June 1944, in France. The initial communication lines laid to a field artillery unit were impractical in fulfilling the mission, which necessitated passing them over a route under direct observation of the enemy and within range of both enemy mortar and artillery fire. Master Sergeant Ellis, who was fully aware of the danger, personally reconnoitered a route, and later, under enemy mortar and artillery fire, directed the relaying of the wire. The personal courage and devotion to duty of Master Sergeant Ellis, who deliberately entered this zone of danger to complete his mission, reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.