The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Donald Pudney (ASN: 4211333), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 November 1944, in Germany. Noticing a sizeable enemy patrol approaching his position and realizing that valuable information could be obtained from prisoners, Private First Class Pudney waited until the patrol was nearly upon him and at once challenged it. Although the enemy opened fire and he was nearly killed by a grenade, Private First Class Pudney remained pouring heavy machine gun fire into their ranks until they surrendered. His gallant actions yielded several prisoners who gave information valuable to ensuing operations. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Pudney, 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.