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 Sergeant Cecil C. Powell (ASN: 6828325), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 April 1945, in Germany. Sergeant Powell gallantly volunteered to knock out an enemy roadblock which held up his platoon by an intense hail of fire. After killing an enemy machine gunner and two riflemen, Sergeant Powell was instantly killed by a burst of fire from a nearby house. Sergeant Powell’s heroic self-sacrifice allowed his platoon to move forward and accomplish its mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Powell, 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.