The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Carl E. Eckman (ASN: 6939907), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On the afternoon of 1 August 1943, in the vicinity of Troina, Sicily, during an attack on Hill 1034, Corporal Eckman was attached to Company C in command of a mine sweeping squad. As the assault progressed, Corporal Eckman, without regard for his personal safety and under constant enemy fire, reached the top of the hill, being among the first to reach the objective, and accounted for several enemy casualties. His action in this instance was clearly beyond the call of duty and although he received a shrapnel wound in the head, he refused to leave the field of battle and continued the advance in command of his squad. His outstanding personal courage, bravery and devotion to duty, were of a profound inspiration to his squad and upheld the finest traditions of the Army.