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 [then Sergeant] Ormonde R. F. Beltz (ASN: 37508817), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 114th Infantry Regiment, on 15 February 1945, near Woelfling, France. When his company’s advance was halted by heavy enemy mortar, machine-gun, and rifle fire, Sergeant Beltz, an assistant squad leader, led his men forward through the fire and effected their dispersal. In an extended personal movement, he crawled toward a carefully camouflaged machine-gun emplacement and exposed himself to throw two grenades. In his closely timed rifle assault, he killed the enemy crew of three. Sergeant Beltz’ outstanding leadership, courage, and initiative permitted the continuation of his company’s attack and reflect credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.