The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Stuart Gilbert Fries, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against the enemy as Commanding Officer of the 747th Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 29th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 20 June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Fries did without personal regard for his own safety, continuously expose himself to enemy machine gun, rifle and mortar fire as he directed the action of a company of medium tanks as they supported an attack by a battalion of infantry in the vicinity of *****. Though un-mounted and completely exposed to enemy fire at short ranges, Lieutenant Colonel Fries directed the tanks so as to continue the attack, and by his conduct and bearing under extremely dangerous circumstances, gave inspiration to those around him and reflected great credit upon the military service.