The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Medical Corps) Fred G. Patterson (ASN: 0-357103), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Medical the Detachment, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 July 1944, in France. Major Patterson was assigned to duty as surgeon for an infantry organization. During a bitter engagement with a fiercely resisting enemy force, and at great personal risk to himself, Major Patterson visited forward aid stations and personally assisted in treating the wounded and supervising evacuations, although exposed to heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire for many hours during this period. His calmness under fire, his superior performance of duty, and his courageous leadership brought prompt relief to many of the wounded. His close supervision of all the activities of his men, regardless of the risks involved, contributed much to the effective medical service rendered. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Patterson, 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.