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), [then Second Lieutenant] Virgil T. Sowers (ASN: 0-1996592), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 January 1945, in Belgium. First Lieutenant Sowers remained fully exposed to withering enemy fire to direct the laying of a smoke screen by a mortar section. When the heavy volume of enemy fire again prevented the advance or withdrawal of a platoon, he moved forward once more to lay a smoke screen. First Lieutenant Sowers’ gallant action prevented his comrades from suffering heavy casualties and aided in the success of the operation. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Sowers, 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.