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 Hurchial G. Runnels (ASN: 38481871), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 October 1944, in Germany. When the enemy launched a fierce counterattack against his platoon, Sergeant Runnels steadfastly remained at his machine gun and poured fire into the advancing enemy until he was severely wounded. The overwhelming numerically superiority of the enemy soon made a withdrawal imperative, but Sergeant Runnels, knowing that his men would be burdened by carrying him, gallantly ordered them to withdraw without him. He was saved when his unit later recaptured the position. Sergeant Runnels’ outstanding courage and spirit of self-sacrifice are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.