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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Amzi Rudolph Quillian (ASN: 0-20640), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of a Battalion of the 66th Armored Regiment, 2d Armored Division. At about 1500B on 14 July 1943 near the town of Canicatti, Sicily, Lieutenant Colonel Quillian, unable to move by vehicle, went forward dismounted, between friendly and enemy machine gun fire, to coordinate the action of two columns, and drove the enemy out of the high ground they occupied. Again at about 1700B, Lieutenant Colonel Quillian, unable to move by vehicle from his position, dismounted and went forward in the face of heavy enemy rifle and machine gun fire. While on foot under this enemy fire, he rallied stray Tanks together and personally led them in a successful attack on the enemy-occupied ridge northeast of Canicatti which was holding up the advance of the command. By his heroic actions, Lieutenant Colonel Quillian set an example of brilliant leadership, calm courage and devotion to duty. Such coolness and disregard for personal safety over and above the call of duty in the face of the enemy reflect great credit upon himself and were in accordance with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.