The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Bernard R. Stegeman (ASN: 0-1177197), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, on 23 June 1944, in France. Lieutenant Stegeman was assigned to duty as the reconnaissance officer with a field artillery unit engaged in heavy fighting with a stubbornly resisting enemy. During a heavy enemy artillery bombardment, Lieutenant Stegeman was painfully wounded. Disregarding his wounds he moved from place to place while the shells were still falling to render first aid and evacuate those men more seriously wounded. The inspiration of his leadership caused his men to be continually encouraged and they rallied to great efforts. The unselfish loyalty to his men displayed by Lieutenant Stegeman reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces.