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 Edward L. Yonts, Jr. (ASN: 34044746), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. On 15 March 1945, near *****, France, as Company F, 411th Infantry Regiment was digging in for protection against heavy artillery barrages, several casualties were suffered by sniper fire. Sergeant Yonts, squad leader, locating a dugout and a trench from which the sniper fire was coming, led a four-man patrol forward. Deploying his men to cover him, Sergeant Yonts jumped into the trench and crawled toward the dugout. Disregarding the enemy fire, he cleared the trench, and throwing a hand grenade into the dugout, killed two of the enemy, wounded three, and routed the remainder. Sergeant Yonts’ aggressive action reflect the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.