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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Marshall D. Gerth (ASN: 0-524894), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 June 1944, in France. As Second Lieutenant Gerth was advancing his platoon on the right of his company sector, friendly tanks to the left began machine gunning his troops. To stop this fire it was necessary that Second Lieutenant Gerth’s Company Commander, who was pinned down in an open field, be contacted in order that he might advise the firing tanks that they were firing on friendly troops. Disregarding his personal safety in favor of his men, Second Lieutenant Gerth fearlessly crossed this open ground delivered his message, and was morally wounded by machine gun fire in the performance of this mission. Second Lieutenant Gerth saved his troops by the sacrifice of his life. His courage and devotion to duty, resulting in the loss of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army.