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) Claude M. Spilman (ASN: 0-540496), 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. First Lieutenant Spilman was serving as a Platoon Leader with an Infantry Regiment engaged in an assault upon enemy fortified positions. While moving up to attack, the battalion to which First Lieutenant Spilman was assigned was halted by two enemy tanks accompanied by Infantrymen. The Germans held commanding terrain and it was difficult for either tanks, tank destroyers, or bazooka teams to advance. Displaying outstanding fortitude and great personal courage, First Lieutenant Spilman crawled with a bazooka team to a house from which he hoped to fire on the enemy tanks. One of the tanks began advancing toward the house and the bazooka team withdrew. Unhesitatingly, he loaded and fired the bazooka himself, crippling the tank. A shell from one of the tank guns scored a hit on the building this officer was occupying, seriously injuring him. However, the effective fire First Lieutenant Spilman had delivered on the tank injured the tank commander and without his leadership, the enemy force withdrew, enabling the battalion to continue the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Spilman, 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.