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 Technical Sergeant Van J: Mitchell (ASN: 20456988), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Technical Sergeant Mitchell was assigned to duty with an infantry force engaged with the enemy. During the action, many of Technical Sergeant Mitchell’s comrades were wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, Technical Sergeant Mitchell voluntarily moved from place to place on the battlefield, rendering first aid and evacuating the wounded until he, himself, was killed. These unselfish actions undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. The fortitude, personal loyalty, and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Mitchell reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.