The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Benjamin E. Tagg (ASN: 36886587), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 October 1944, in Germany. When ammunition for his machine gun ran dangerously low during a fierce enemy counterattack, Staff Sergeant Tagg, accompanied by a comrade, courageously made his way across seven hundred yards of fire swept terrain, disposed of three enemy soldiers who attempted to bar his way, and returned over the same hazardous route with ammunition for the machine gun. Staff Sergeant Tagg’s gallant action enabled his squad to hold off the attacking enemy successfully until reinforcements arrived. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Tagg, 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.