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 Cleatus Earl Henderson (ASN: 35932197), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 28 May 1944, at about 1100 hours, an assault on an enemy-held hill near ****, Italy, was repulsed with 50% casualties to friendly troops including a squad leader and his assistant, and disabling one of two machine guns that were giving supporting fire. Private First Class Henderson, gunner of number 2 gun, alone continued to fire his machine gun at the enemy 300 yards away. He dragged his weapon 25 yards to a new position and then fired it steadily and unaided for 4 1/2 hours, all the while exposed to mortar fire, shells of which burst 20 yards away from him, and small arms fire that missed him by inches. Private First Class Henderson’s bravery and expert handling of his weapon was instrumental in enabling friendly troops to reorganize and take their objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.