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) Dewey J. Sandell, Jr. (ASN: 0-539189), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 October 1944, in Germany. While leading a platoon in an advance against the enemy, the sector in which First Lieutenant Sandell was operating was threatened with a major counterattack, including several enemy tanks. When it proved impossible for a field artillery observer to reach the position to direct artillery fire at the hostile forces, First Lieutenant Sandell, voluntarily risking his life, moved forward to an exposed position and performed this task himself. The effective artillery fire directed against the counterattacking enemy inflicted heavy casualties and enabled the regiment to repel the attack and capture a large number of prisoners. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Sandell, 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.