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 Staff Sergeant Harold A. Stepputtis (ASN: 17011587), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 9 November 1944 in France. On that date, Staff Sergeant Stepputtis was serving as an Aid Man with a rifle company engaged in the operation of enlarging a bridgehead. During the attack, he received a painful flesh wound from shrapnel, but refusing to be evacuated, bound his own wound and continued his duties. Later in the day, a fellow soldier fell severely wounded on open terrain under direct enemy observation. Staff Sergeant Stepputtis crawled forward in an effort to reach his stricken comrade. While on this heroic mission, Staff Sergeant Stepputtis lost his life as a result of enemy fire. This demonstration of conspicuous bravery and unselfish devotion to his comrades was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.