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 (Cavalry) Gerald C. Stinson (ASN: 0-1019020), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 717th Tank Battalion, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 March 1945, in Germany. Lieutenant Stinson, tank platoon leader, was leading an attack to secure an important highway when his tank was immobilized and set ablaze by panzerfaust fire, wounding four of the crew members. Despite his own wounds and unmindful of the extremely heavy enemy fire of all kinds, he made repeated trips to and from the vehicle evacuating the wounded and giving them such first aid as was possible. He then awaited a replacement tank and when it arrived he took command and pressed the critical attack. The great courage, tenacity of purpose and sincere devotion to the welfare of his men displayed by Lieutenant Stinson reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.