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 Corporal Vernon W. Gardner (ASN: 15382182), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 January 1945, in Belgium. Corporal Gardner advanced with two other men under enemy observation to a position from which he helped knock out an enemy tank which was holding up the advance of two companies. Although he was subjected to a hail of tank and machine gun fire, he succeeded in crippling another tank and forcing a third along with supporting infantrymen to withdraw, thereby allowing the two rifle companies to continue their advance. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Gardner, 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.