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 Harley E. Carson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 4 October 1944. During an attack on the Siegfried Line, the company with which Staff Sergeant Carson was serving was given the mission of destroying two mutually supporting enemy pillboxes. Staff Sergeant Carson volunteered for the dangerous task of placing a demolition charge against the blind side of one of the pillboxes. The subsequent explosion failed to destroy the pillbox, and Staff Sergeant Carson immediately began to throw hand grenades into the open slots. The grenades killed two of the enemy and six remaining soldiers were forced to surrender. Denied the support of the first pillbox, the second enemy strongpoint was quickly neutralized. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Carson, 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.