The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Harold Sprankle (ASN: 35504822), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company **, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On ** April 1943, at Northern Tunisia, while on a combat patrol for which he had volunteered, in spite of a badly infected and very painful knee, Private Sprankle, at great personal risk and without regard for his own safety, succeeded in covering the withdrawal of his badly battered patrol and assured the evacuation of five of his wounded comrades. In order to cover this withdrawal it was necessary for Private Sprankle to expose himself to enemy fire, while at the same time directing his fire against the enemy, which fire accounted for a number of enemy casualties. At all times during the campaign, Private Sprankle’s conduct was of the highest order. His 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.