The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Harry E. Zinn (ASN: 15078976), 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 13 September 1944 in France. On that date, heavy artillery fire made it necessary for the platoon in which Staff Sergeant Zinn served to move their mortars to the rear of an adjoining company. At this time all but one of the wounded were evacuated. Refusing to leave their injured comrade, Staff Sergeant Zinn and another non-commissioned officer remained behind and later when fifteen of the enemy attempted to take the position the three men fired on them, killing three, wounding one, and driving the other eleven into friendly troops where they were annihilated. The courage, resourcefulness, and sincere devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Zinn were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.