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 Vernon D. McHargue, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with a Field Artillery Battalion of the 34th Infantry Division in Tunisia. Corporal McHargue, in a small vehicle with a wire repairing detail, of necessity entered a zone in plain view of the enemy and under constant infantry mortar fire. Having located the wire break, Corporal McHargue with another enlisted man dismounted and ordered the vehicle under cover. Two mortar shells fell, knocking down Corporal McHargue who, unhurt, called to his companion, receiving no reply. An officer in a nearby entrenched artillery observation post ordered him to take cover in the observation post. He obeyed the order and then at his own volition returned at once, in full view of the enemy, to the body of his companion. Only after ascertaining that his companion had been instantly killed did he return to shelter. Corporal McHargue’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.