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 [then Sergeant] Ernest Schmidt, United States Army, for gallantry in action while on a reconnaissance patrol mission in Germany during World War II. Lieutenant Schmidt learned that one of his patrol had been seriously injured by German shellfire. He carried his comrade back to a first aid station, exposing himself to shellfire. In this heroic action he was struck by a mortar shell and critically wounded. 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.