The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Oliver G. Pointer (ASN: 37135574), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 105th Engineer Combat Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1944, in France. Sergeant Pointer was a member of a unit assigned the task of building a footbridge across a rive which separated our troops from the enemy, to enable the crossing of infantry troops. From the beginning of these operations the troops constructing this bridge were subjected to heavy enemy artillery, mortars, and small arms fire, and casualties were heavy. The partly constructed footbridge was hit by artillery fire, which practically wiped out the assembly section. Lack of manpower, due to casualties, hindered operations and even though Sergeant Pointer had completed the mission assigned his squad he voluntarily place himself and his men at other sections of the bridge and assisted in its final construction. The courageous actions of Sergeant Pointer, performed at the risk of his life, greatly aided in the construction of this bride and the successful crossing of the river. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Pointer, 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.