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 Theo Jasper Master (ASN: 6293250), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 2d Infantry Division. On 13 June 1944, in the vicinity of Normandy, France, Staff Sergeant Master went forward with an automatic rifle team to locate German strongpoints, neutralize enemy fire, and open a path for his company to advance. In the face of enemy frontal and flanking fire he achieved these objectives and destroyed two machine pistols. Aware of the risk he took, he then emerged from h is concealed position and communicated the information to his company when he was fired on by the enemy and killed. The gallantry and disregard for personal safety displayed by this enlisted man reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.