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 Theodore E. Junkins (ASN: 34160492), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, ** Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, on the night of ** May 1943, in the vicinity of Hill 609 near *****, Tunisia, North Africa. Corporal Junkins’ platoon, the 81-mm. mortar platoon, had displaced forward to Roman Ruins. The only route open to them was known to be heavily mined. Corporal Junkins was aware of the fact that the platoon would need plenty of ammunition to ward off any counter attack or to support a push. Under cover of darkness he drove his jeep through the mine field thereby opening a trail for other ammunition and supply trucks thus enabling the mortars to keep up constant firing. Corporal Junkins’ courage and fearlessness contributed greatly to the success of his platoon’s mission and his action is a credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.