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 Cecil E. Hodge (ASN: 35659892), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 October 1944, in Germany. Private First Class Hodge was manning a machine gun when the enemy launched a counterattack with tanks and infantry. By alternating fire between his weapon and a machine gun manned by another soldier a few yards away, he and his comrade kept the leading tank at bay for a considerable period until it was knocked out by a tank destroyer weapon. The courage required in withstanding the full fury of the opposing tank’s weapons reflect great credit upon Private First Class Hodge and the Armed Forces.