The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Harold Matthew Ward (ASN: 32555019), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 230th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1944, in France. Staff Sergeant Ward was a member of a forward observer party giving artillery support to an infantry unit forcing the crossing of a well defended river position. Staff Sergeant Ward stationed himself at a position under direct enemy observation in order to direct the most accurate and deadly artillery fire possible upon the hostile troop dispositions. His perseverance and aggressive devotion to duty materially assisted in the overall success of the operation. Staff Sergeant Ward’s indomitable fighting spirit will long be remembered as a source of inspiration to his comrades, for whom he unselfishly sacrificed his life. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Ward, 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.