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 Sergeant [then Private First Class] Carl C. Schaudt (ASN: 17049688), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 12 July 1944, in France. Sergeant Schaudt distinguished himself when his platoon was pinned down by enemy fire in a low wooded area. Since they were unable to return the enemy fire from this obscure position, Sergeant Schaudt bravely climbed a nearby tree, armed with a Browning Automatic Rifle. From this exposed position he placed deadly fire on the enemy who were preparing to counterattack and held them off alone until his comrades could set up their mortars. Still remaining in his hazardous position, although risking his life from the continual enemy fire, Sergeant Schaudt directed the mortar fire on the enemy positions so successfully that the counterattack was repulsed. Sergeant Schaudt’s unhesitatingly courage and initiative enabled his company to continue forward to occupy the strongly-held enemy position. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Schaudt, 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.