The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Verlin E. Harpest (ASN: 35613966), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 July 1944, in France. Observing two members of an anti-tank gun crew lying wounded and exposed to fire beside their weapon, Private First Class Harpest and a comrade courageously advanced fifty yards under intense machine gun fire and evacuated both of the wounded men to safety. After administering first aid, Private First Class Harpest and his comrade assisted the casualties over a thousand yards of fire swept terrain to an aid station. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Harpest, 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.