The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gerald Paul Stethers, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 104th Infantry Division in action on 25 February 1945 in Germany. After crossing the Ruhr River with the leading assault units, Private First Class Stethers led his platoon through a mine field and to the objective. During the early morning hours of 25 February 1945, his platoon was reduced to almost half strength and was surrounded in a barnyard by a strong force of enemy infantry and armor. Boldly exposing himself, Private First Class Stethers engaged an enemy burp-gunner in a firefight, killing his adversary. Although wounded shortly afterward, he dragged himself to cover and continued to fire on the enemy, refusing to be evacuated. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.