The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Cecil C. Rhodes, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 41st Infantry Division during World War II. during the smash of the Japanese fortress of Wakde, Lieutenant Rhodes’ company was slashing forward in attack when it was pinned down by enemy automatic weapons crossfire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lieutenant Rhodes exposed himself by rising from the covered position behind which he crouched in safety and personally directed his men forward. He ordered them out of the open area in small groups and arranged their deployment. By doing so he extricated the entire company with a minimum of casualties. In remaining upright in the lines of fire for so long he was hit in the abdomen and evacuated to a field hospital. By his valor and initiative he undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his men. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.