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 Jack E. Kittell (ASN: 17087088), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st European Civil Affairs Regiment, attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 23 December 1944 to 27 December 1944, in Belgium. Private First Class Kittell displayed outstanding heroism on numerous occasions by risking imminent death from falling debris to rescue wounded and trapped victims from raging fires. On one occasion he was forcibly removed by his comrades from a burning building while he was attempting to evacuate soldiers from the building which was about to collapse. Private First Class Kittell’s gallant actions contributed immeasurably to the saving of many lives of soldiers and civilians and set an admirable example for his comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Kittell, 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.