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 Howard W. Ochiltree (ASN: 20743360), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with 30th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 September 1944, in France. Private Ochiltree was assigned to duty as a driver with a reconnaissance troop engaged in a fire fight with a stubbornly resisting foe. During the engagement, Private Ochiltree voluntarily manned a machine gun and remained at the gun until it was knocked out of action by enemy fire. He was then ordered to withdraw to a sheltered position. While on his way he heard the cry of a wounded comrade, and with complete disregard for his own safety, made his way back in the face of continuing heavy enemy fire and evacuated the wounded man to a place of comparative safety behind a building. After dressing his comrade’s wounds, he remained at his side to guard him until the next day when he was evacuated by medical personnel. The personal courage and unselfish loyalty exhibited by Private Ochiltree reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.