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 Ernest S. Dills, Jr. (ASN: 15116107), 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 8 February 1945, in Germany. On that date, while assaulting the Siegfried Line near Wallendorf, Germany, the machine gun platoon which Staff Sergeant Dills led was ordered to furnish the riflemen necessary supporting fire for the attack. After aiding in driving off three enemy attacks, Staff Sergeant Dills voluntarily manned a light machine gun to enable his men to bring up a new supply of ammunition. Through his effective fire he protected the men and the ammunition was replenished. He was killed by a sniper during the operation. The courageous leadership and supreme devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Dills were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.