The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Benjamin E. Fiedler, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 104th Infantry Division in action in Holland on 31 October 1944. On that date, Private Fiedler’s company participated in a river crossing and after initial successes in the crossing, his company received murderous artillery and mortar fire, during which the platoon leader and squad leaders of his platoon all became casualties. Private Fiedler voluntarily accepted leadership of the remainder of the platoon, and with disregard for his personal safety, coolly and aggressively, in the face of heavy enemy fire, led the platoon forward under the most harassing circumstances. The platoon dug in near a road one thousand yards beyond the river which they had crossed, and were there subjected to direct fire from two German tanks firing point-blank into their positions. The heroism of Private Fiedler which he expressed by his undaunted action of deliberate courage, was greatly responsible for the valuable fifteen hundred yards his unit was able to advance beyond the river. Private Fiedler’s unfaltering bravery in this action cost him his life. It exemplifies the highest traditions of the American soldier and reflects great credit to himself and the military service.