The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Earl A. Fay (ASN: 0-1321500), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 October 1944, in Germany. First Lieutenant Fay was serving as the forward observer for a mortar section and had placed his observation post in a house on the front lines within view of the enemy. Although every movement he made drew fire on his position, First Lieutenant Fay continued to adjust fire upon the enemy tanks and infantrymen a short distance away. When the enemy launched a counterattack, the observation post was hit four times by direct fire from an enemy tank and suffered other hits from mortar fire. First Lieutenant Fay remained steadfastly at his post, however, and directed such effective fires upon the approaching troops that the counterattack was repelled, and the enemy forced to withdraw in confusion. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Fay, 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.