The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Olis L. Medcalf (ASN: 35713703), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 22 August 1944. Staff Sergeant Medcalf’s squad was assigned the mission of investigating a large chateau suspected of concealing an enemy headquarters. Working through the hallways from room to room, Staff Sergeant Medcalf found himself alone. Hearing voices from a nearby room, he crept forward to investigate and discovered that the language spoken was German and that the room probably contained quite a few enemy soldiers. Sergeant Medcalf concluded that if he returned and called his companions the enemy would have time to discover their danger and escape, so he boldly advanced, stepped into the room, and covered the surprised Germans before they could reach for their weapons. Sergeant Medcalf’s quick thinking, and bold, unhesitating action resulted in the capture of fifteen enemy prisoners without injury to himself or his comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Medcalf, 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.