The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Belton R. Loftis (ASN: 70095533), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 December 1944, in Belgium. Thinking only of preventing a serious blast which would inflict casualties on nearby troops, Staff Sergeant Loftis and a comrade separated burning and exploding white phosphorous ammunition from a pile of high explosives. Ignoring overheated ammunition which was exploding all around them, the unwrapped and extinguished each burning shell. Staff Sergeant Loftis’s gallant actions prevented casualties and the destruction of valuable equipment. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Loftis, 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.