(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Fred Winchester Sladen, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, in July 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Sladen, 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.