The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Eldon C. Gardner (ASN: 0-1319273), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 4 December 1944 in France. While leading his rifle platoon in an attack on the enemy, Lieutenant Gardner assaulted an enemy truck and antitank gun escaping down a road covered by enemy machine guns and bordered by trenches occupied by the enemy. With utter disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Gardner ran directly into the face of the raking enemy fire, firing his carbine to kill the driver, and hurling hand grenades to destroy the truck and the remainder of the crew. His courage, aggressiveness, and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.