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 Private First Class Audie M. Denney (ASN: 34109063), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with an Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion of the 1st Cavalry Division, in action at Momote, Los Negros Island, Admiralty Group, on 4 March 1944. During the early morning hours when a vicious and determined enemy counterattack was threatening the annihilation of our troops, Private First Class Denney, dissatisfied with the passive role of a member of an anti-aircraft gunner not engaged in the ground fighting, left the security of his gun emplacement to run through heavy enemy fire to another gun section being attacked by numerically superior enemy forces. With deadly accuracy he killed seven of the enemy with carbine fire, repelling the assailants. When one enemy soldier remained close to the gun and threw grenades into the pit he left a safe position to seek out the enemy grenadier and kill him with his trench knife, thereby eliminating a grave threat to the gun position. In continuing his bold and aggressive activity against the enemy forces, he was instantly killed by grenade fragments. His vigorous and determined resistance aided greatly in repulsing the enemy attacks. Private First Class Denney’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.